Lifestyle and dietary correlates of dispositional optimism in men: The Zutphen Elderly Study

Objective: Dispositional optimism has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality, but the underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown. We therefore studied whether dispositional optimism was associated with healthy lifestyle and dietary habits. Methods: In 773 (87.1%) of 887 Dutch elderly community-living men with complete data in 1985, the associations of dispositional optimism with lifestyle and dietary factors were assessed at baseline and during follow-up every 5 years up to 15 years using multilevel regression models. Measurements: Dispositional optimism was assessed using a four-item questionnaire, and the participants' food consumption was assessed by a cross-check dietary history method that estimates the usual food consumption pattern of the participants. Lifestyle factors were assessed by questionnaires, while weight and height were measured to calculate body mass index. Results: A high level of dispositional optimism was associated with more physical activity (