The researchers used data from a massive, six-year study of older people from North Carolina. As part of the study, interviewers questioned subjects at least once about how they were feeling. The results were most dramatic for men, the research found. The researchers didn't try to explain this connection beyond speculating that people who feel good and are hopeful about life are more likely to exercise regularly or watch their diets or take their medicines as prescribed. The authors also suggested their findings are related to studies showing that people who drink moderately are less likely to suffer strokes.
Happier people tend to drink alcohol in moderation.
Moderate alcohol, in turn, might make people happier. Consider Ebenezer Scooge. Charles Dickens' literary character had powerful motivation to change, of course. Think about not being able to walk or find the words to express a thought. Paint your toenails orange.