Optimists are twice as likely to have healthy hearts. Having a positive outlook also means you have ‘significantly’ better blood sugar and total cholesterol levels, a new study has found.
The most optimistic people are twice as likely to be in ideal cardiovascular health compared to pessimists, say researchers from the University of Illinois. And they were up to 76 per cent more likely to enjoy general well-being and health.
They discovered the association when they questioned more than 5,100 adults, aged between 45 and 84, who were assessed on their mental health, levels of optimism and physical health, including any diagnoses of arthritis, liver and kidney disease.
Our mental outlook can have a significant impact on health and longevity, the researchers conclude.
(Source: Health Behaviour and Policy Review, 2015; 2 (1): 62)
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