An Outgoing Personality Could Help You Live to be 100

An Outgoing Personality Could Help You Live to Be 100

Scientists continue to look into the lifestyles, personalities, and genes of centenarians (people who live to their 100s) and their families to discover the secrets of longevity.

It’s known that the tendency to live a long, healthy life runs in families. So, researchers recently studied the children of people who lived to age 100 or more to see if they could find a common personality trait. These offspring were well on their way to old age themselves – they were all around age 75. They had 60% reduced rates of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes than their contemporaries. Both male and female offspring of centenarians were more extroverted than the societal norm and also knew how to manage stress well. The women also scored comparatively high in agreeableness – a personality trait lending itself to successful friendships. They were social and actively involved with life, and they had established and maintained supportive life-long friendships

If you’re naturally introverted, don’t worry. The researchers noted that the key seems to be staying positive and remaining open to new experiences. Try smiling at others. It can open the door to a lasting friendship. Also be accepting of others as they are – and of yourself as you are – and be open to change and improvement when needed Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Apr. 2009