Realistic Expectations Can Help You Live Longer

Forget about always looking at the sunny side of life as you age. When you’re older, having lower expectations for your future may actually lengthen your life, according to recent research published online in the journal Psychology and Aging.

The German researchers, who examined 10 years of data from 40,000 adults ages 18 to 96, say having more realistic expectations about physical limitations may encourage you to take better care of your health. But they also say that being unrealistically optimistic can help you feel better when you’re facing a terminal diagnosis.