Pessimists, cheer up! Study Finds Negative People Live Longer

If you are a pessimist and often face life on the negative side, we have good news! At least when it comes to longevity, you may start to be more positive because, according to a study by European researchers, pessimistic people generally live longer than optimists.

According to a news story from Smithsonian.com, researchers focused on older people, finding that being extremely optimistic about the future seems to be associated with a higher risk that these people will have some kind of disability - or even die - in a period of just a decade.

Pessimistic and realistic

On the other hand, pessimism can encourage people to live more carefully, taking more precautions with regard to health and physical integrity. Thus, individuals who have lower expectations about the future are more likely to live longer and healthier, as they face life more realistically.

However, while being realistic about the future is a good thing, thinking optimistically can also be a holy remedy in some situations. People who are experiencing terminal illness, for example, may benefit from trying to be more optimistic. But for the rest of us, it's best to stay grounded and understand that the inevitable end will one day come.