Smile You'll live Longer

Posted March 8, 2009, 9:43 am in Aging


Never underestimate the power of positive thinking. A new study says women who are optimistic live longer, healthier lives than pessimists.

Using data from the Women's Health Initiative, an ongoing government study of more than 100,000 women over age 50 that began in 1994, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that women who expected good things to happen to them were 14 percent less likely than pessimists to die of any cause. And they were 30 percent less likely to be killed by heart disease. They also had less incidence of high blood pressure and diabetes and were less likely to be cigarette smokers.

Women who were highly mistrustful of others, called “cynically hostile” by the team of researchers, were 16 percent more likely to die during the study period of eight years compared to the least cynical of the group. They were also 23 percent more likely to die from cancer.

Want real life proof that a positive attitude leads to a longer life? Let Growing Bolder introduce you to a couple of our favorite supercentenarians -- Ruth Hamilton and Oni Ponder.

Meet Ruth Hamilton
Meet Oni Ponder



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