2021年12月六级 第2套 Section A 选词填空

If you think life is wonderful and expect it to stay that way, then you may have a good chance of living to a ripe old age, at least that is what the findings of a new study suggest. That study found that participants who reported the highest levels of optimism were far more likely to live to age 85 or __26__. This was compared to those participants who reported the lowest levels of optimism. It is __27__ that the findings held even after the researchers considered factors that could __28__ the link, including whether participants had health conditions, such as heart disease or cancer, or whether they experienced depression.

The results add to a growing body of evidence that certain psychological factors may predict a longer life __29__. For example, previous studies have found that more optimistic people have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases, and a lower risk of __30__ death. However, the new study appears to be the first to __31__ look at the relationship between optimism and longevity. The researchers __32__ that the link found in the new study was not as strong when they factored in the effects of certain health behaviors, including exercise levels, sleep habits and diet. This suggests that these behaviors may, at least in part, explain the link. In other words, optimism may __33__ good habits that bolster health.

It is also important to note that the study found only a __34__, as researchers did not prove for certain that optimism leads to a longer life. However, if the findings are true, they suggest that optimism could serve as a psychological __35__ that promotes health and a longer life.