Optimism vs Pessimism.

According to a Boston University study, optimists find it easier to control their emotions and are more protected from stress-resistant.

American researchers have come to the conclusion that optimists are more likely to live an “exceptionally long” life — more than 85 years. They also have suggested that optimists find it easier to control their emotions and are more protected from stress.

The study involved two groups of people – 70,000 women and around 1,500 men. Scientists studied both their level of optimism in life, and their general health and lifestyle.

“It turned out that the most optimistic men and women have a life expectancy of 11-15% more than the least optimistic participants in the study,” as concluded by the report. The chance that the representatives of the first group will make it to 85 years is much higher.

“Our results show that increasing optimism can contribute to longevity and healthy aging,” said one of the study’s authors, Professor Levina Lee of Boston University School of Medicine. She clarified that the reasons why optimistic people live longer are still to be discussed. 

“Although a healthier lifestyle and a lower level of depression do explain our conclusions, they are only a part of the whole picture. Data from other studies suggest that more optimistic people, as a rule, have goals and confidence in their achievement, are more effective in solving problems and can better control emotions in stressful situations” as added by Lee.

Professor Bruce Hood, who teaches the Science of Happiness course at the University of Bristol, says the new study is yet another proof of positive thinking benefits.