Live Longer And Happy

August 6, 2008

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Apparently, if you are happy you are likely to live longer. New analysis suggests that being happy will make you live longer. This sounds like a no-brainer, but there has been research that showed it happiness has on effect on longevity, and even that it may shorten your life.

Before seeing this, I was unaware that there is a Journal of Happiness Studies. I was even more surprised to find that I can access it online. The most recent issue had articles including, Happiness in the Garden of Epicurus. We get the word epicure form this Greek philosopher. I now know, that according to him, the chief good was to decrease pain and increase pleasure. Sounds good to me.

According to the article

Happiness does not heal, but happiness protects against falling ill. As a result, happy people live longer. The size of the effect on longevity is comparable to that of smoking or not.

What is not clear is how they measure happiness and how exactly you can make yourself happy.

The studies do not address whether it is a direct or indirect effect on longevity. If you are happy, presumably you are less likely to engage in unhealthy behavior such as binge drinking or eating. A negative attitude is supposed to suppress your immune system, so perhaps you are less likely to get ill.

So to warp the Vulcan blessing, “Live Longer and Happy”.

photo credit: sutefani in orlando