Although previous research has already found a positive link between well-being and longevity, those studies have focused on well-being on a single occasion, rather than sustained over a number of years.

This time, researchers at University College London looked at data on more than 9,300 men and women aged 50 and older (average age 63) collected on three times at two year intervals over a four-year period.

They followed these Zoomers for an additional seven years to monitor all causes of mortality.

Those who reported high levels of enjoyment had up to a 24% reduced risk of dying early.

The findings can be found in The British Medical Journal.