Neill Neill, Ph.D.

I have long argued that more optimistic people live happier more fulfilling lives. This is basic positive psychology. We maximize our sense of wellbeing by focusing on what we want, not on what we don’t want. Optimistic people seem to have a brightness of the future. Their more pessimistic compatriots worry about the future.

Today I read an interesting New York Times article about mortality among optimistic versus pessimistic older adults. It was entitled "Yet Another Worry for Those Who Believe the Glass Is Half-Empty." It starts off with, "Now, it seems, pessimists may really have something to worry about: their health."

The author describes a research study of over 900 patients aged 65 to 85 who were ranked according to how optimistic or pessimistic they were about life. During the ten-year period of the study the death rate among the most optimistic quarter of the group was 30.4%. Among the most pessimistic quarter the death rate was 56.5%, that is, almost 90% higher.

Furthermore, "prevention of cardiovascular mortality accounted for nearly half of the protective effects of optimism."

Wow! I’m glad I’m an optimist. My wife says I carry my optimism too far: she has even called me "a Pollyanna." Much to her chagrin I take it as a compliment.

Anyway, it’s an article worth reading if you can relate to positive psychology.

Psychologist Dr. Neill Neill facilitates psychological and spiritual healing and growth. Register and receive Dr. Neill’s ebooks "Addiction and Codependency Simplified," and "The Personal Change Manifesto." www.neillneill.com