Don't Worry Die Sooner

In my class on pastoral care for people who are dying I’ve been reading about “The Myths of a Long Life” and here was a surprise:

Worriers live longer.

Here’s why: Worriers tend to be conscientious, prudent and detail oriented. That means they wear their seat belts, drink less, don’t drink and drive, don’t misuse their prescription medicines, they don’t speed, they get physicals and routine health screenings, wear helmets when biking and they follow their doctor’s orders.

Optimism has a downside. “No worries” people are more likely to overlook symptoms and to not follow the doctor’s orders.

So do worry; be healthy.