According to a study conducted by Lund University and Stockholm University, trusting others will help you live longer. Meanwhile, doubting others increases your mortality risk.
The report was published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
"Whether or not you trust other people, including strangers, makes a difference of about 10 months in terms of life expectancy," says co-author of the study, Alexander Miething from Stockholm University.
Meithing adds that where you live makes a difference, "your risk of dying is higher than in places with more community trust."
RELATED: 5 Ways To Take Control Of Your Mental Health
Analysing data from the US General Social Survey (GSS), researchers assessed the attitudes, level of trust and socioeconomic conditions of the US population - 25,270 participants were surveyed between 1978 and 2010. The data was linked to the national mortality database (NDI), making it possible to predict mortality risk.
Findings suggest that trust was associated with better social support, less confrontation and being able to better cope with stress.
The results were consistent across the board, regardless of gender and socioeconomic conditions.
Guess you better trust someone when they say that protein shake is delicious...
