Happy People Live Longer

Education linked to better health, longevity

(NEWSER) - Sure, college costs a lot of money and you won’t necessarily get a job after you graduate, but good news! At least you'll live longer in your loan-induced poverty, because higher education is linked to longer life. An annual report from the CDC shows that those who obtain a bachelor’s degree or above live about nine more years than those who never graduate high school. Education is also linked to other healthy habits, USA Today reports: More»

Resveratrol boosts cell power, says study

(NEWSER) - Scientists have unlocked the mystery of a special ingredient in red wine that could increase lifespan and promote health in humans. The organic compound resveratrol aids the body by jump-starting the activity of mitochondria—the power suppliers of cells, reports the Daily Mail . Resveratrol, which occurs naturally in red wine, is credited with combating cancer, obesity, and aging. More»

New poll finds those who make less aren't as satisfied

(NEWSER) - Good news for those of you not quite making $75,000 per year : A new study finds that an annual income of just $50,000 is enough to inspire happiness. A previous study put the magic happiness number at $75,000, finding that even Americans making significantly more than that weren't any happier. The new study isn't quite the same: It didn't measure what happens to happiness after the $50,000 mark, it just found that those making less than $50,000 weren't as satisfied with their lives. More»

And don't pursue it too hard, either: studies

(NEWSER) - Happiness is a good thing … unless you have too much of it, in which case it can actually make you unhappy. If you're too happy, studies have shown, you may also be gullible, selfish, less creative, or less successful, the Washington Post reports. "Research indicates that very high levels of positive feelings predict risk-taking behaviors, excess alcohol and drug consumption, binge eating, and may lead us to neglect threats," says one psychology professor. Some specifics from happiness studies: More»

Denmark, and unhappiest is Togo: report

(NEWSER) - Bhutan measures the mood of its citizens in a national happiness index , and in an international meeting held at the UN yesterday and led by the country, it urged other nations to follow its lead. A report released for the meeting, taking into account polls from 2005 to 2011, ranks the happiest and unhappiest countries. The happiest (the US makes an appearance at No. 11):

1. Denmark
2. Finland
3. Norway
4. Netherlands
5. Canada