A review recently undertaken by psychology Professor Ed Diener of the University of Illinois in America, has reported that people with a more relaxed disposition and who see their cup as ‘half full’ rather than half empty, are more likely to live longer, happier and less stressed lives.

The review of more than 160 studies on the correlation between a positive state of mind and overall health and longevity found evidence linking an upbeat outlook and enjoyment of life to better health and longer life. 

Results were stronger even than those that linked obesity to reduced longevity, according to the review published recently in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being.

“I was almost shocked, and certainly surprised, to see the consistency of the data,” said Ed Diener, the University of Illinois psychology professor emeritus, who led the review.

The review looked at eight different types of long-term studies and experimental trials of both human and animal populations.

This included 5,000 university students who were monitored off and on for more than 40 years. It showed that the most pessimistic students tended to die younger.

In the animal kingdom, studies showed that animals that lived in stressful conditions such as crowed cages had weaker immune systems and a higher weakness to heart disease, and died at a younger age than those in less crowded conditions.

Diener noted that while current health edicts focus on obesity, smoking, eating habits and exercise, “it may be time to add ‘be happy and avoid chronic anger and depression’ to the list.”

Writer Helen Splarn. Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald