Older people blighted by pessimism and fear for the future are more likely to live longer, according to scientists

A study, into 40,000 adults across ten years, has found that those with low expectations for a “satisfying future” actually led healthier lives. In contrast, people who were “overly optimistic” about the days ahead had a greater risk of disability or death within ten years. Pessimism about the future may encourage people to live more carefully, taking health and safety precautions. The researchers also found that higher income was related to a greater risk of disability.