Is your glass half full? If so, science backs your outlook: optimists consistently live longer and healthier lives than pessimists.
Women who describe themselves as optimists live 15 percent longer than pessimists and are 50 percent more likely to reach age 85. For men, optimism correlates with an 11 percent longer lifespan and 70 percent higher odds of living to 85.
Read also: '9 tips for a more positive mindset'
A landmark study tracked nearly 70,000 women over 10 years and 1,400 men over 30 years, revealing these patterns.
Lead researcher Lewina Lee explains: “We know that optimists have a lower risk of chronic disease and early death.”
Another study of 3,500 adults aged 32 to 51 found optimists sleep better and longer, with 74 percent lower risk of sleep problems.
A 2015 study of individuals aged 45 to 84 showed the most optimistic participants were twice as likely to have a healthy heart compared to pessimists.
