Maintaining a positive outlook may help older people enjoy a longer life, according to new research.

A study published in the December issue of Diabetes Care found that older people suffering from the condition who were treated for depression tended to live longer than those who did not obtain such support.

The study followed the group for five years and found that mortality rates were reduced more for people who had diabetes than those who did not have diabetes.

"Depression is not only common in persons with diabetes but contributes to not taking medicines, not following prescribed diets, and overall reduced quality of life," said lead researcher Dr Hillary Bogner from the University of Pennsylvania.

As such, the researchers concluded that depression management should be integrated into the treatment of people suffering from the condition.

In recent weeks, data from over-50s service provider Saga suggested that an increasing number of older people are using the internet to discuss health issues with their peers.