Why Optimism Is Good For Your Health

The May issue of the Harvard Men’s Health Watch newsletter explores some of the reasons that so many studies have shown that optimists have better health than pessimists do. According to the newsletter, it's possible that optimists are healthier because they have healthier lifestyles, stronger support networks, and better medical care, and they may also experience biological benefits, such as lower stress hormones. Another possibility is that genes that predispose some people to be optimistic also affect health and longevity. Most likely, a number of these factors are at play. —Heather Wax