Happiness might lead to better health and helps you live longer, researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have found in a longitudinal study they began back in the 1990s, according to TPS. They looked at the impact of optimism on longevity and found that maintaining a positive
Findings are the result of a long-term study of 1,200 elderly Jerusalemites who were born in 1920 or 1921, while analyzing their health, ability to function, economic wellbeing, social skills, anxiety level, integrity and optimism
An elderly couple walking on Jaffa street in central Jerusalem on February 20, 2017. (Nati Shohat/Flash90)
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem say staying optimistic and maintaining a positive outlook can directly extend the length of your life, in a new long-term study.
The study, conducted by Prof. Jeremy Jacobs and Dr. Yoram Maaravi, followed some 1,200 elderly Jerusalemites who were born in 1920 or 1921. The researchers analyzed their health, ability to function, economic wellbeing, social skills, anxiety level, integrity, and optimism over some 30 years.
Optimism was measured through questions about participants’ positive experiences and expectations for the future, the study said.