Grumpy Old Men

All the research thus far suggests that laughing often is one way of promoting good health, but researchers have found that grumpy old men (and women) tend to outlive their happier peers.

The study also busts the myth that those who retire early (say 55) live longer than people who carry on working to the bitter end. "It’s the most prudent and persistent individuals who stay healthiest and live the longest," the researchers told The Daily Mail.

The reason for this seemingly counterintuitive logic is that the optimists in the study had a tendency to be a little irresponsible with their health. "Too much of a sense that "everything will be just fine" can be dangerous because it can lead one to be careless about things that are important to health and long life," says lead author Dr. Howard Friedman. “In fact, the so-called "happier" people were more likely to engage in risky behaviours like drinking and smoking than the prudent folks.”

Here’s the thing: It's all about balance - does being miserable actually make you live longer or does it just seem longer?