Being active and organized linked to longer life, study says.
Specific personality traits like being active and organized are linked to a longer lifespan, a new study finds.
Why it matters
- Personality traits could help predict health risks and longevity.
- This study highlights the importance of specific self-descriptions over broader personality categories.
By the numbers
- Study involved over 22,000 adults.
- Follow-up periods ranged from 6 to 28 years.
- People describing themselves as "active" had a 21% lower risk of dying during the study period.
The big picture
- Positive traits like being organized and active are linked to longer lifespans.
- Negative traits like being moody or anxious are linked to shorter lifespans.
What they're saying
- Experts note that these findings are not deterministic but suggest personality plays a role in health and longevity.
- The study’s focus on specific traits rather than broad categories is unprecedented.
Caveats
- Findings are correlational and not deterministic.
- Lifestyle and clinical factors also play a role.
What’s next
- Potential integration of personality screening into routine health assessments to identify at-risk individuals.