How to live longer: Four key personality traits that boost the odds of living to 100
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It is well understood that diet plays a key role in delaying terminal decline. It has become increasingly clear, however, that the secret to healthy ageing is both multifaceted and complex. Research into longevity shows that thought patterns become ever more important as we age. One study explains that an amalgamation of four personality traits, in particular, could see you live past 100.
A study published in the journal International Psychogeriatrics illustrated the impact of personality by studying 29 citizens who lived in remote villages in Italy aged 90 to 100.
Subjects were asked to fill out questionnaires gaining which revealed their strongest personality traits.
While assessing these features, researchers saw patterns emerge among those who reached the ripe old age of 100.
The authors of the study concluded: “Exceptional longevity was characterised by a balance between acceptance of and grit to overcome adversity along with a positive attitude and close ties to family, religion and land, providing purpose in life.”
READ MORE: How to live longer: Expert divulges five ‘non-negotiable’ tips for boosting longevity
Stubbornness
The findings highlighted a paradox of ageing in centenarians – as their mental health digresses, their mental resilience strengthens.
They suggested first and foremost that being stubborn and domineering could boost the chances of reaching 100.
Researchers hypothesised that these traits may affect longevity by helping participants stay mentally vigorous.
People who carry these traits tend to be more resilient to external opinions people may have about them, which in turn makes them stronger in the face of hardship.
Adaptable
The study’s senior author, Dilip Jeste, and his team noted a prevalence in resilience and adaptability to change.
In an interview with Time, Jeste explained: “These people have been through depressions, they’ve been through migrations, they’ve lost loved ones.
“In order to flourish, they have to be able to accept and recover from the things they can’t change, but also fight for things they can.”
Positive
The link between positivity and improved life expectancy has been identified in several studies.
A line of evidence suggests individuals with greater optimism have higher odds of achieving “exceptional longevity”.
Hard-working
Another quality the centenarians had in common was a strong work ethic, which saw them work into their old age.
At the time of the study, most of the participants were still active and working on a daily basis.
The lead author of the study Anna Scelzo, said in a press release: “Most of them are still working on the land.
“They think, ‘this is my life and I’m not going to give it up.”
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