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. …

[RipSawyer]

This explains how my uncle Bruce lived to be almost ninety. He was about as lifeless as anyone ever seen outside of a grave, when he came to visit he would lie on the couch and grumble. He had a voice that made my hero Charlton Heston sound like a sissy, when he whispered the house moved but he missed an opportunity to make millions as an announcer, he spent his working career walking around a towel factory oiling machines. He made Rodney Dangerfield look like the president of the Optimist Club.

[Dysart]

These kinds of stories are not to be trusted. Truth is more than likely this is all a ruse— a clever socialist plot to sway us to reject medical care and rip up roses and stomp them before anyone smells them instead.

[GeronL]

oiled machines in a towel factory?

wow.

[3Fingas]

Pessimistic people are happier.
Think about it. Optimistic people are only happy when things go the way they expect.
Ergo - I think it will be good -- it is good, therefore this affirms my disposition; therefore I am happy.
If things go bad, things go against my disposition and I feel bad about myself then I am sad Panda.


Pessimist -- I think it will be bad -- if it turns out good, I am doubly happy because I did not expect it.
If things go bad, I expected things to go bad and this affirms my disposition and I feel good about myself for being so smart. Winning move for me!


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[Blue Collar Christian]

If pessimists live longer, then they die older and meaner and lonelier.

[Huskrrrr]

[Revolting cat!]

Finally a scientific esplanation why I’ve suffered so long!

[Fightin Whitey]

A pessimist is never disappointed.

Oh stop. You're just trying to make me feel better.

[Dysart]

“Pessimistic people are happier.
Think about it. Optimistic people are only happy when things go the way they expect.
Ergo - I think it will be good — it is good, therefore this affirms my disposition; therefore I am happy.
If things go bad, things go against my disposition and I feel bad about”
_______________

Your scenario recalls a scene in “What about Bob,” if I recall correctly. I forget which character but I want to say it was the son.

[pieceofthepuzzle]

” A pessimist is never disappointed.”

Exactly, which is why they live longer.

[dfwgator]

“Don’t expect friends, don’t expect fun, don’t expect a good life, don’t expect anything and if you get something, it’s a bonus.” - Frank Zappa

(Of course Frank only made it to 53, so perhaps the theory isn’t so true)

[Paladin2]

BammyCare is DOOMED!

Those who don't believe in it are now increasing and will now live longer, causing it to collapse.

[3Fingas]

Well, I hope to live longer than Frank Zappa, but I am not expecting to. :-D

[beethovenfan]

Bah!! Humbug!!

[dfwgator]

"Meh!"

[Revolting cat!]

I bet that further studies will fail to verify this finding!

[Mount Athos]

Boyscout motto will get you far in life.

Be prepared.

[Chode]

cause optimists believe help is coming and will starve to death waiting for a handout, pessimists don't and won't...

[Gene Eric]

>> Awe, cr*p. I’m going to live forever.

Unfortunately.

[9YearLurker]

Nah, pessimists don’t live longer—it only seems longer to them.