Numerous long-term studies to establish relationship between optimism and longevity have shown that keeping positive attitude and looking at brighter side of life lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and other chronic ailments.

There is increasing biological evidence coming to the fore that optimism can have a direct effect on health. Doctors say it is never too early nor too late to foster optimism. From teenagers to people in their 90s, all will have better outcomes if they have an optimistic view towards life.

In a major analysis of 15 studies involving 2,29,391 participants, it was observed that people who ranked high on optimism, were much less likely to suffer from a heart attack or other cardiovascular events, and had much lower mortality rate from any cause compared to pessimistic participants.

Optimists tend to take better care of their health by exercising more, eating good and almost never smoking. In biological terms, pessimists remain buried under stress all day long. This, releases damaging stress hormones called cortisol and norepinephrine. It increases inflammation in the body and fosters metabolic abnormalities.