Scientists, with their annoying fixation on facts, have published study after study suggesting that an upbeat attitude protects you from cancer, heart disease and stroke. It found Americans are much likelier to have healthier cholesterol, and less likely to be overweight, if they’re chipper. Whatever explains Japan’s chart-topping life expectancy – lots of fish, a strong tradition of family care for the elderly – it isn’t being really cheerful all the time. | Oliver Burkeman Read moreIn other words, maybe it’s not optimism per se, but being in tune with the prevailing culture, that makes American optimists healthier. Optimism, pessimism, introversion, extraversion – maybe they can all work, except when we insist that everyone makes the same choice.

Source: The Guardian October 20, 2017 13:52 UTC