‘Evolution seems to have tuned our nervous systems in ways that are optimal for these kinds of interpersonal and compassionate activities as we age.’

In one study, the scientists looked at how 144 healthy adults in their 20s, 40s and 60s reacted to neutral, sad and ‘disgusting’ film clips.

Participants were asked to adopt a detached and objective attitude, show no emotion, or focus on the positive aspects of what they were seeing.

The findings, published in the journal Psychology and Aging, showed it was easier for older people to see negative scenes in a positive light.