 We were all told this growing up, be grateful for what you've got. New research says that attitude of gratitude may also help you live longer. A new Harvard study of older female nurses found those who maintained a grateful outlook on life had a decreased risk of death. In the highest level of gratitude, people had a 9% reduction in risk of death from any cause compared to those in the lowest gratitude level. Attitude is everything it seems like at times, right? That's what it sounds like.