According to most large-scale studies, optimists live longer. However, the devil is in the details: the key role is not so much the presence of positive expectations as the absence of pessimism.

What do the numbers say

Data from long-term observations are quite consistent.

Difference in life expectancy: the most famous study showed that the most optimistic women live on average 14 whole nine-tenths percent longer than their pessimistic peers, and men — 10 whole nine-tenths percent longer. The chances of living to eighty-five are 1.5 to seven-tenths times higher for optimists.

Mortality: a meta-analysis of fifteen studies involving more than two hundred thousand people confirmed that optimism is associated with a reduced risk of premature death. Other data show that each ten points towards pessimism increases the risk of mortality by nineteen percent.

An important nuance: some scientists believe that optimism and pessimism are not two sides of the same scale. Analysis shows that it is high pessimism that predicts an increase in mortality, while optimism itself may not provide additional protection.

Why does this happen

Optimists more often lead a healthy lifestyle: they move more, eat better, smoke and drink less often. Moreover, they cope more effectively with stress, which has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.

Cultural context

Interestingly, not all studies confirm this connection. For example, among elderly Japanese, optimism was not associated with life expectancy. Scientists suggest that in cultures with a different attitude towards positive thinking, this connection may not work.

Long-lived optimists: real examples

History knows many people whose positive attitude and activity helped them live a long and fulfilling life.

• Dick Van Dyke (100 years old). Legendary actor, known for his role as Bert in \"Mary Poppins,\" lived to be one hundred. He attributed the secret of longevity to the absence of anger and a calm attitude towards life. He even wrote a book, \"100 Rules for Life Until 100: A Guide for Optimists to a Happy Life.\"
• Jane Goodall (91 years old). World-renowned primatologist and nature protector continued to work and travel actively until the end. In her book \"The Book of Hope,\" she shared reasons for optimism even in the face of global problems. She lived to be ninety-one, maintaining clarity of mind and vitality.
• Hedda Bolgar (103 years old). The oldest practicing psychotherapist in history. She worked almost until the end and claimed that the happiest years were after sixty-five. She \"sold old age\" to her patients, convincing them that it was a time of freedom and experience.
• Lev Leshchenko (83 years old). People's Artist of Russia remains active and cheerful at the age of eighty-three. When asked about the recipe for optimism, he replies: live with good, there is no other. Be grateful to fate, to people, to family.
• Alexander Soloducha. Honored Artist of Belarus acknowledges that he follows the motto \"Forward and Up\" and smiles since the moment he wakes up. A smiling person is attractive, while a sad one is repulsive, he says.

Pessimists: philosophy against life

Among the famous pessimists, there are also prominent figures, but their fates often turned out to be more tragic.

• Arthur Schopenhauer (73 years old). The most famous pessimistic philosopher, calling the existing world the worst of all possible. Despite his philosophy, he lived to be seventy-three — by the standards of the nineteenth century, this was a very respected age. The irony is that when an epidemic of cholera broke out in his city, the great pessimist hurried to leave the dangerous place and choose life.
• Philipp Mainlander (34 years old). A German philosopher who was more of a follower of Schopenhauer. A true believer in his theory that life is suffering, he committed suicide at the age of thirty-four. Researchers note that his example is a tragic exception, but it shows where radical pessimism can lead.
• Mikhail Zoshchenko (62 years old). A brilliant Soviet satirist, the author of humorous stories. However, he suffered from deep depression. There is a well-known anecdote: Zoshchenko came to a doctor with a complaint of melancholy, and the doctor advised him to read Zoshchenko's stories, which would amuse any pessimist. To which the writer replied gloomily: I am Zoshchenko myself.

Conclusion

Scientific data and human fates converge on one thing: optimism is not just a pleasant addition to life, but a factor that can extend it. Optimists more often choose useful habits, better cope with stress, and maintain an interest in life longer. Pessimism, especially radical, often leads to self-destruction.

Of course, being an optimist does not mean ignoring problems. It is rather the ability to see them but not let them control your life.

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