Optimism and mortality

Some people have a more optimistic view of life than others. A study of 100,000 older (over 50) women in the U.S. which has been following their progress since 1994 has found that those who view the world through rose-tinted spectacles are also likely to live longer. The optimistic women were 14% less likely to die of any cause and 30% less likely to die of heart disease within eight years. The optimists were also less likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes or to smoke. The researchers - from the University of Pittsburgh - also looked at a group of women who were highly mistrustful of other people. These women were 16% more likely to die over the course of the study and 23% more likely to die from cancer.

You can find out more about this research at

http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKTRE5247NO20090305?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews&sp=true