Comments on: Can Your Personality Control How Long You Live?

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:42:27 +0000

@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.

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:42:27 +0000

By: Elisa Doucette

Elisa Doucette — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:21:07 +0000

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.

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:46:45 +0000

@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

By: TrinaLeftIowa

TrinaLeftIowa — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:18:47 +0000

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!

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:45:23 +0000

@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

By: Susan Pogorzelski

Susan Pogorzelski — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:11:13 +0000

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!

By: jackieadkins3

jackieadkins3 — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:26:04 +0000

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?)

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:25:13 +0000

@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?

By: jackieadkins3

jackieadkins3 — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:15:14 +0000

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…