Optimism and implications for healthy ageing

The overarching aim of this thesis was to explore whether “looking on the bright side of life” can enable the ever-growing population of older adults to live in later life in a way that is most meaningful for them. The thesis reported the association of optimism with premature death and cardiovascular disease. Further, economic, behavioural and social health factors that are associated with the optimism and pessimism of older Australians were identified, as well as what older Australians perceive optimism to be. Finally, the thesis reported that older Australians’ optimism was not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.