Is the glass 1/2 full ....?

Optimism May Help You Live Longer
Having an Optimistic Outlook May Lower the Risk of
Heart Disease, Other Risks of Death

By      Jennifer Warner 
Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD
on Monday, November 01, 2004
WebMD Medical News




Nov. 1, 2004 -- Seeing the glass as half full rather
than half empty may pay off in terms of a longer,
healthier life, according to new research.

The study shows that older people who described
themselves as highly optimistic have a lower risk of
heart disease or death from any cause over nearly
10 years compared with people who are very
pessimistic.

Researchers say depression has long been known
to increase the risk of death due to heart disease,
but less is known about the effects of an optimistic
attitude.

The results of the study appear in the November
issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Optimism Prolongs Life

In the study researchers surveyed about 1,000 men
and women aged 65-85 about their health, morale,
optimism, self-respect, and relationships. Based on
the participants' answers about optimism,
researchers divided them into four groups according
to their level of optimism.

After nearly 10 years of follow-up, researchers found
that compared with people who reported a high level
of pessimism, those who were very optimistic had a
55% lower risk of death from all causes and a 23%
lower risk of heart-related death.

The study also showed that optimism's protective
effect was stronger in men than in women for
reducing the risk of death due to any cause except
heart-related death.

Researchers say there are several factors that may
explain the link between optimism and longer life.
For example:


*     Optimism is associated with more physical activity,
moderate alcohol use in women, and less smoking.
*     Optimism is associated with better health in
general. People in poor health tend to report more
pessimism.
*     Optimists may cope with stress differently and
more effectively than pessimists do.


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Have a GREAT Day mac~

p.s. Enjoyed all the board memebers attending the
Tuscon Games...70-degree weather on a HUGE
grass field...the University of Arizona Throwers were
very IMPRESSIVE as well as Andrew Hobson's
performances...kudo's to all involved !!!

I wouldn't say the glass is half full or half empty -
I'd say it's half finished. Read whatever you like into
that.