Planning to tie the knot soon? Gauge his/her optimism levels too as a cheerful partner with loads of positive attitude would be a harbinger of health for you.

According to a study, having an optimistic spouse predicted better mobility and fewer chronic illnesses over time, even above and beyond a person's own level of optimism.

"This is the first study to show that someone's else optimism could be impacting your own health," said Eric Kim, a doctoral student in psychology at University of Michigan.

In close relationships, optimism predicts enhanced satisfaction and better cooperative problem-solving.

Optimists are more likely to seek social support when facing difficult situations and have a larger network of friends who provide that support.

"Identifying factors that protect against declining health is important for the increasing number of older adults who face the dual threat of declining health and rising health care costs," co-author Jacqui Smith, a professor in the department of psychology, emphasised.

The study appeared in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research.

Read the full article on The Times of India: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Optimistic-partner-your-gateway-to-better-health/articleshow/34076459.cms