July 2009 Mayo Clinic Health Letter Highlights a Positive Outlook, Bell's Palsy and Heart Va...( Studies Show a Sunny Out...),Health

Studies Show a Sunny Outlook is Good for Health, Longer Life

ROCHESTER, Minn., July 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Here are highlights from the July issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Reprinting is allowed for a fee. Mayo Clinic Health Letter attribution is required. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Visit www.HealthLetter.MayoClinic.com or call toll-free for subscription information, 800-333-9037, extension 9771.

An ever-expanding body of research indicates that a positive outlook may improve health, decrease the risk of depression and increase longevity. The July issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter highlights some studies and their findings.

In a Mayo Clinic study, more than 7,000 people completed a personality test in the early 1960s, and researchers tracked participants for more than 40 years. They found that for every 100 participants, the 25 who had scored as the most pessimistic, anxious and depressed had about a 30 percent greater chance of dying young, compared with those who were most optimistic, least anxious and least depressed.

An earlier Mayo Clinic study found similar results. More than 800 people were tracked for more than 30 years. Pessimistic thinkers had a 19 percent increased risk of early death, compared with their optimistic counterparts.

Optimists reported having fewer health problems and fewer difficulties with work or daily routines, and they were generally happier, calmer and more peaceful. They experienced less pain, had more energy and reported greater ease in social activities.

Researchers from the Women's Health Initiative, a study involving nearly
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