Researchers found "clear and compelling evidence"
that happiness paves the way to better health and longer lifespans.
The review of more than 160 studies found the evidence
connecting an upbeat outlook to a healthier life was even stronger than that
linking obesity to reduced longevity.
It backed previous studies that found a “glass half full”
approach was good for your health.
Scientists from the University of Illinois found positive
moods reduced stress-related hormones and increased immune function.
Their study, published in the journal Applied Psychology:
Health and Wellbeing, found happiness lead to quicker recovery from exercise.
It also concluded that anxiety, depression, and pessimism
were linked to higher rates of disease and a shorter lifespan.
People who felt intense anger or lived in stressful
environments were more likely to be sick more often and died earlier.
“I was almost shocked, and certainly surprised, to see the
consistency of the data,” said Prof Ed Diener, who lead the study.
“The general conclusion from each type of study is that your
subjective wellbeing, that is, feeling positive about your life, not stressed
out, not depressed, contributes to both longevity and better health among
healthy populations.
“(The) overwhelming majority ... support the conclusion that
happiness is associated with health and longevity."
Prof Diener noted that while current health edicts focus on
obesity, smoking, eating habits and exercise "it may be time to add 'be
happy and avoid chronic anger and depression' to the list."
"Happiness is no magic bullet, but the evidence is
clear and compelling that it changes your odds of getting disease or dying
young.”
The review looked at eight different types of long-term
studies and experimental trials involving both human and animal subjects.
For example, 5,000 university students studied for more than
40 years provided evidence that the most pessimistic students tended to die
younger.
In another study, based on 180 catholic nuns, researchers
found those who wrote positive autobiographies in their early 20s tended to
outlive those who wrote more negative accounts of their young lives.
Animals who lived in stressful conditions, such as crowded
cages, had weaker immune systems and a higher susceptibility to heart disease.
They also died at a younger age than those in less crowded
conditions.
Source: Andrew Hough - Telegraph
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