Study: Happy People Tend To Be Healthier

Omaha, NE (AHN) - Researcher believe a dose of happiness could be a promising new prescription for a healthier life. The finding comes after a review of an Australian study of almost 10,000 people.

"Everything being equal, if you are happy and satisfied with your life now, you are more likely to be healthy in the future," Mohammad Siahpush, Ph.D., professor of health promotion at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

The question of happiness was asked of 10,000 Australian adults during a survey in 2001 and 2004. As part of the survey, people were asked: "All things considered, how satisfied are you with your life?"

The survey also asked about health problems. Researchers found happiness was linked to responses of good health, no health problems that limited life and later good physical health.

The research is printed in the September/October American Journal of Health Promotion.