Positive thinkers live longer

By Bridget Freer  on Tuesday 11 August 2009

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A new study shows optimists have lower chance of developing heart disease that pessimists.

The research from The University of Pittsburgh in America, examined 100,000 women aged 50 to 79 who were initially free of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

It revealed that those seen as having positive characters were less likely to die from conditions linked to diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol or have depressive symptoms, smoke, be sedentary or have a high body mass index.

But women with a high degree of 'cynical hostility' were at a higher risk of dying earlier. Women were deemed to be optimistic if they agreed with statements such as: 'In unclear times, I usually expect the best.' Pessimism was defined as agreeing: 'If something can go wrong for me, it will.'

Lead report author Hilary Tindle said: 'As a physician, I'd like to see people try to reduce their negativity in general. The evidence suggests that sustained, high degrees of negativity are hazardous to health.'

FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES, CLICK HERE

Tuesday 11 August 2009

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