The neuroscience of gratitude: How a positive mindset supports healthy ageing
It may feel like you ‘switch off’ when you sleep but your brain is busy restoring, regenerating, and processing.
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Key points
Gratitude has been scientifically found to improve sleep, lower stress and inflammation levels, decrease feelings of anxiety and low mood, and even the risk of chronic diseases.
A positive outlook is linked to better mental and physical health outcomes.
Gratitude can be strengthened by regular, intentional practice.
Healthy ageing: It’s more than good genes
We often hear that ageing well comes down to diet, exercise, and genetics – and while those aspects are crucial to our overall health, there are other key factors that play a role. According to psychological research, our mindset is just as important.
How we think about ageing can influence our experience. Studies in positive psychology show that older adults who maintain optimism and gratitude have longevity, recover faster from illness, and have higher life satisfaction.
In other words, ageing isn’t just avoiding illness – it’s about nurturing a state of mind that supports resilience, joy, and vitality.
The power of gratitude
Gratitude is more than saying “thank you”. It’s a mindset shift from a place of lack to focusing on the present moment, things that are meaningful and working well in life, even amid challenges.
Studies have found that regularly practising gratitude can boost immune function, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep quality.
Gratefulness has also been shown to reduce stress hormones and boost the brain’s production of dopamine and serotonin – the neurotransmitters that support relaxation and emotional well-being.
The Healthy Brain Ageing team at the Thompson Institute are researching the effects of gratitude interventions on mental health outcomes as we age.
For older Australians, gratitude can be a powerful antidote to emotional challenges that can come with ageing, such as social isolation, and loss of youth, societal roles, and loved ones.
It shifts focus to appreciation for what remains and deepens– such as the accumulation of life experiences, time for genuine connections, contentment with life, and the joy and beauty of small, everyday moments.
Keeping a positive mindset as we age
It’s natural to experience worry or sadness as life shifts but keeping a positive outlook doesn’t mean brushing aside our experiences. It means honouring them while still choosing to look for hope, growth, and those small joys.
A positive mindset is linked to better mental and physical health outcomes, including lower rates of depression, improved memory, and even reduced risk of chronic diseases. Positive psychology views optimism as a protective buffer against stress – preserving both the mind and body.
In Australia, where community and outdoor living are woven into daily life, simple acts like connecting with others, being in nature, or sharing a laugh together can gently strengthen our sense of optimism and well-being.
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Helpful tools and strategies for cultivating gratitude
Gratitude can be strengthened with regular, intentional practice. Here are a few evidence-based ways to weave it into your daily life:
- Keep a gratitude journal: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. Over time, this rewires your brain and strengthens emotional resilience.
- Savour small moments: Enjoy your morning cuppa, the sunshine on your face, a soft breeze, a chat with the neighbour, or the sound of the birds outside. Presence creates appreciation.
- Express thanks: Whether it’s a phone call, text message, or smile, expressing gratitude boosts well-being.
- Focus on strengths: Reflect on what life has taught you – resilience, patience, and kindness.
- Stay connected: Positive social bonds are one of the strongest predictors of healthy ageing.
The beauty of ageing
Ageing brings perspective – and with it, the ability to see beauty in simplicity. Gratitude and a positive mindset remind us that life’s meaning isn’t found in what we have or how young we look, but in how we choose to see and experience each day.
When we choose gratitude and optimism, we train our brain to see the preciousness in ordinary moments – the laughter of friends and family, a loving hug, a shared meal. These are the quiet foundations of a long and fulfilling life.
So perhaps the secret to ageing well isn’t about resisting time – it’s about welcoming it with appreciation.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional about any health concerns or before making any changes to your medication, diet, or exercise routine.
