Study: Pessimists live longer, healthier lives

TheLocal.de ^ | 28 Feb 13 14:20 CET | (AFP/jlb)

[Olog-hai]

Older people who look on the darker side of life tend to live longer than optimists, who in turn face an increased risk of illness and mortality, a new study by a German research institute found on Thursday.

Researchers in Germany and Switzerland found that older people who believe their life satisfaction will be above average in future face a 10-percent higher mortality risk or are more likely to develop physical health problems, the DIW think-tank said.

“It is possible that a pessimistic outlook leads elderly people to look after themselves and their health better and take greater precautions against risks,” said one of the researchers, Frieder Lang. …

[Olog-hai]

Seems to contradict this study from close to seven years ago.

[ClearCase_guy]

Sigh. I’m probably not pessimistic enough to qualify. I bet I’ll die young. Just my luck.

[gorush]

The masochist said to the sadist “Hit me!”
The sadist did nothing.
The masochist said “Do it again!”

[Telepathic Intruder]

I’ve learned there is a thin line between pessimism and realism. Often they are the same things, as far as anyone can tell. What I find pessimistic instead is an unrealistic view of the world, as if the real one isn’t good enough or something.

[Gen.Blather]

Awe, cr*p. I’m going to live forever.

[tflabo]

One can be pessimistic about the world and doings around them but be uplifted by their faith, family and friends to enjoy life nonetheless. I would think being a total, unbalanced pessimist would be a miserable existence and shorten life instead.

[Intolerant in NJ]

Wow - I’m set for a couple hundred more years.....

[cripplecreek]

I don’t believe that.

[3Fingas]

I don’t think is going to end well. :-D

[Ditter]

I’m already too old to die young.

[Revolting cat!]

A pessimist is a person who has had to listen to too many optimists.

[Venturer]

I am so pessimistic about the next 4 Obama years that I should live to be a hundred easily.

[Revolting cat!]

“Pessimist: One who, when he has the choice of two evils, chooses both.”

Oscar Wilde

[GeronL]

example

All the Darwin Award winners are optimists

"I can do that, hold muh beer"

[Revolting cat!]

“The optimist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears it is true.”

J. Robert Oppenheimer

[smoothsailing]

Optimism is the foundation of courage.

- Nicholas Murray Butler.

[dfwgator]

Great...now I fear that I am going to live forever.

[GeronL]

I am optimistic that my pessimism is warranted.

[dfwgator]

A pessimist is never disappointed.

[GeronL]

I meant that All the Darwin Award winners were optimists

lol