Optimists live longer than pessimists

Data from 230,000 men and women in the U.S., Europe, Israel and Australia over 14 years found that the subjects who described themselves as optimistic experienced 35% fewer major heart complications, such as stroke, heart attack and cardiac death, then those who didn’t. What’s more, these optimists were 14% less likely to have a premature death by any cause, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia and diabetes.

Another study found that optimists tend to sleep better; they were 74% less likely to have insomnia and were also more likely to get a solid six to nine hours of shut-eye a night. And better sleep is linked to better overall health and a reduced risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease — which translates into a smaller chance of dying from heart disease or stroke.

Optimists are also more likely than pessimists to make smart money moves. Believe it or not, those looking on the bright side were more prepared for the worst, as 61% of optimists had started an emergency fund compared with less than half (43%) of pessimists. Optimists were also far more likely to save money for a major purchase, and they were more creative in finding ways to save money.