How looking on the bright side could lead to a longer life

OPTIMISTS live longer, according to major research.

A 30-year study has found that people who look on the bright side are more likely to achieve “exceptional longevity”, living to 85 or older.

Optimism was defined as a general expectation that good things will happen, or believing that the future will be favourable because we can control important outcomes.

The US study of 69,744 women and 1,429 men found that the most optimistic people had, on average, an 11 to 15 per cent longer lifespan.

They also had 50 to 70 per cent greater odds of reaching 85-yearsold compared to the least optimistic groups. Study author Dr Lewina Lee, assistant professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine, said: “While research has identified many risk factors for diseases and premature death, we know relatively less about positive factors that can promote healthy aging.

“This study suggests optimism is one such psycho-social asset that has the potential to extend the human lifespan.

“And interestingly, optimism may be modifiable using relatively simple techniques or therapies.”

However, it remains unclear how exactly optimism helps people attain longer life.

Study senior author Professor Laura Kubzansky, of the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, said: “Other research suggests that more optimistic people may be able to regulate emotions and behaviour as well as bounce back from stressors and difficulties more effectively.”

Researchers also speculated that more optimistic people tend to have healthier habits, such as exercising.