Study Finds Having A Positive Outlook On Life Could Save Yours

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Don't worry. Be happy.

New research says that kind of attitude can save your life. This is a large scale study that finds having a positive outlook really can help you live longer.

"When comparing the most optimistic to the least optimistic women, people had a reduced risk of dying from cancer, infection, stroke, heart disease, and lung disease," said Dr. Eric Kim of Harvard.

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Dr. Kim and researchers at Harvard looked at data on 70,000 women over eight years. The most optimistic women has a nearly 30 percent lower risk of dying. "It seems to have the most effect on cardiovascular outcomes and the smallest effect on cancer outcomes," Dr. Kim said.

Researchers say taking steps to boost optimism might also lead to healthy behaviors and better coping skills.

"One is called best possible self. So you think about your different domains of life, whether it's your personal relationship, your spouse, your career, your friendships and in each of those domains you think about the best possible outcome," Dr. Kim explained.

Researchers also say to increase optimism, you can write down three things you are grateful for each night and make a list of the kind things you've done for others.

While this study only looked at women, researchers say the findings also apply to men.

Being positive pays off big time.