Older adults with a bright outlook on the future live longer than those who have a dimmer view.  A nine-year long study conducted by Netherlands researchers found that men and women with the highest levels of optimism at the start of the study had the lowest death rates than those in the most pessimistic group.  Considering all factors in-total, the risk of death was 29% lower among highly optimistic men and women.  In addition, the most optimistic study participants experienced 77% less likelihood of dying of a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular cause (as compared to the most pessimistic group). 

"Why do some people always see beautiful skies and grass and lovely flowers and incredible human beings, while others are hard-pressed to find anything or any place that is beautiful?" ~ Leo Buscaglia