Can Your Personality Control How Long You Live?

2009 August 10
tags: , , , ,
by Grace Boyle

“Those who live the longest are more outgoing, more active and less neurotic than other people,” reports a new study from Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. That makes me feel pretty good about my lifespan.

The study examined the personality traits of 246 children of people who had lived to be at least 100. (The study chose the offspring of centenarians because they are easier to follow over time than the very aged since they don’t die as often before follow-up interviews can be conducted. Also, children of those who live to 100 are themselves likelier to live longer).

Interestingly enough, long-living women are more likely to be empathetic and cooperative than woman with a short lifespan. Time reports that “these findings comport with what you would expect from evolutionary theory: those who are extroverted enough to make friends and help others are those who are going to be able to gather enough resources to make it through tough times.”

My Great Aunt Louise is almost 90, but she’s such an outgoing, vivacious woman you would think she’s just 60. At our last family reunion she was playing volleyball with the younger cousins and she is always laughing and telling stories. It’s safe to say she is one of the most extroverted (Italian-attitude) older woman I know. She’s still going strong.

Although I question a bit of the validity here I still find an undeniable truth that long life isn’t just about your physical health, but your mental health as well.

What do you think? Do you know people who are old and mean? What about happy, outgoing elders? What’s the difference between their lifestyles and longevity?

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  • http://wordswillsaveme.wordpress.com/ Teresa Basich

    Interesting stuff. I completely believe our activity level and socializing habits are contributing factors to the length of our lifespans, but my grandmother is a perfect example of the opposite being true. I love her, don't get me wrong, but she's always been a bit of a recluse and a major worrier, and once she hit her 70s her physical and mental activities dropped extensively. She's a month away from 89 and shows no signs of leaving us any time soon.

    On the other hand, she *does* have a family who spends a lot of time with her and helps her get around. Without us, though, I don't know where she'd be.

    I advocate getting out, talking to people, and enjoying life. No matter how it affects your longevity, isn't it just a happier way to live? Give me a short, happy life over a long, miserable life any day. ;-)

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Teresa It is interesting, isn't it? I figured many of us could reflect on our own grandparents to access their life's actions and outlook. I too, would want happiness over a long, miserable life. We have so much control, but often times we don't even realize it. Thanks for sharing!

  • jackieadkins3

    I'm convinced one of my roommates has shortened his life a good 5 years by stressing out about everything. But, he's also very outgoing. Hmmm…

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Jackie Stressing about everything does no one any good. In this case, I think that stress overrides how outgoing you are. Because I can assume the stress is always in the back of their mind…right?

  • jackieadkins3

    Yea I'd definitely agree with that. I think sometimes the most outgoing people are the most stressed and have that Type A personality (maybe even to try and hide the stress?)

  • http://www.twentyorsomething.com/ Susan Pogorzelski

    This is a great post, Grace. I'm not sure if I believe that a person's attitude and personality can be a sign for how long they live (there are always other factors, I think, that contribute to a life's longevity), but I certainly believe it for how *well* one lives. To that end, your aunt is such a a great example — wonderful for her, and for you! — and I absolutely know many people who fit that bill as well. For those who are laughing , upbeat, and outgoing, those with a zest of life, they seem young at heart and I think that attributes to how well they age, but I'm not quite convinced it means a longer life, as the general population shows that we're living longer, regardless. I wonder what this would show in a historical context where the average life span was significantly lower. It's a fascinating theory, to be sure!

    Great topic — one that I'll definitely keep my eye on!

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Susan You're right and I like how you put how “well” someone lives. I do believe that the power of thought is pretty strong. Positivity affects the outcome of your day greatly, versus saying everything bad will happen to you or facing each moment with negativity. It all depends on course, but it was interesting for me as well to read this article. Thanks for stopping by :)

  • TrinaLeftIowa

    Hi Grace! Centenarians have always fascinated me. Along with genetics, I truly think personality and disposition play a big role in living a long life. A few years back CNN did a special on centenarians. They interviewed people from places with a frequency of centenarians (Okinawa, Japan and rural Italy come to mind). A lot of commonalities they found were low-stress lifestyle, consistently active/exercise and have a family-oriented environment (something to keep a person happy and lively).
    Love this post! Now, I'm going to have that glass of wine with dinner and not stress for the rest of the evening! :)

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Trina I remember seeing similar studies and specials on centenarians. It's so interesting. I'm glad you enjoyed this post and also recognize the goodness of less stress and enjoying. A glass of wine is good for you too ;)

  • http://www.opheliaswebb.com Elisa Doucette

    Hrm, I wonder if it is saying moreso that introverted/extroverted it really IS outgoing vs. hermitty. I mean really, do you ever hear about happy hermits? No, they seclude themselves from others cause they are generally UN-happy. People who are outgoing can be extro or intro verted (I'm a great example, outgoing and friendly but need lots of time away from other humans) and the ability to connect with others probably DOES contribute to life spans.

    Because truly, sad and lonely will only make you depressed and angry and those are biologically mental conditions which take a toll not only on your mind but also your soul and thus your body.

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Elisa That's a good point. I do know hermits that are very happy and enjoy the solitude and simplicity they surround themselves with in their life. But you're right to say that they seclude themselves from other because they are generally unhappy with an aspect of their life. It seems being a hermit isn't conducive to an outgoing, vivacious person who loves to be around people. Which in this case, can positively contribute to your well-being.

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Elisa That's a good point. I do know hermits that are very happy and enjoy the solitude and simplicity they surround themselves with in their life. But you're right to say that they seclude themselves from other because they are generally unhappy with an aspect of their life. It seems being a hermit isn't conducive to an outgoing, vivacious person who loves to be around people. Which in this case, can positively contribute to your well-being.