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.
“Our findings indicate that optimism has an impact on survival, whereas other studies have shown that it improves health-related functions, such as our immune systems, reducing risk factors for high blood pressure and cardiac issues, and maybe even cancer,” Maaravi said.
Read more at Times of Israel.
{Matzav.com}
