Viewing life from a positive perspective not only makes us happier and better appreciates the things we have, but it also makes us healthier.
A team of scientists from the Department of Psychology at the universities of Michigan and Harvard (USA) has concluded that having a high level of optimism in life increases life expectancy in patients aged 50 years or more with heart-related diseases.
The study, published in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure , was based on the analysis of 6,808 middle-aged adults. They examined his background, medical history, as well as psychological data. Participant follow-up occurred over a 4-year period; After this period, the researchers found that people with higher levels of optimism had a 73% lower risk of heart failure , compared to those with a more pessimistic attitude.
Experts believe that seeing a glass half full causes people to adopt healthier lifestyles, such as following a balanced diet, exercising more and managing day-to-day stress more efficiently, circumstances that clearly help to be healthier, inside and out.
