Finding and nurturing hope can be difficult during a pandemic. Having hope and optimism can lead to a longer, healthier life. Taking control, finding the silver lining, and planning ahead can provide hope. The uncertainty of the pandemic and its long-term effects can leave little room for hope. In a 2019 study, researchers found that optimism in particular was associated with an 11 to 15 percent longer life expectancy and a higher odds of living to age 85 or older.