"Our findings speak to the possibility that raising levels of optimism''.
People who tend to look on the bright side of life end up living longer than their more pessimistic counterparts, a study is claiming.
A massive study of 71-thousand people in the US found those who looked on the bright side of life tended to live 11 to 15 per cent longer.
Scientists discovered positive people were more likely to live to the age of 85 or more.
Prof Lewina Lee, associate professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine, who worked on the study, said: "Our findings speak to the possibility that raising levels of optimism may promote longevity and healthy ageing.
"Evidence from randomised control trials suggest that interventions, such as imagining a future in which everything has turned out well, or more intensive cognitive-behavioural therapy, can increase levels of optimism."
However, exactly why optimistic people appear to live longer is still up for debate, she said.
"Healthier behaviours and lower levels of depression only partially explained our findings.
"Initial evidence from other studies suggests that more optimistic people tend to have goals and the confidence to reach them, are more effective in problem-solving, and they may be better at regulating their emotions during stressful situations," she added.
Glass half full seems to be the way to go!
