Conscientiousness may extend your life!

Recent research conducted by a group of American scientists has shown a clear link between personality and lifespan. Standard psychological tests, showing type of personality and age at death were given to a total of 8,900 people in a series of 20 studies.

According to Dr Howard Friedman of The University of California highly conscientious people are apt to live on average another two to four years, whereas the least conscientious folk have a 50% greater risk of dying at any age!

So why do conscientious people tend to live longer? One reason is that they are less likely to smoke or drink to excess - but also that they are more apt to lead stable and structured lives. The researchers divided them into (a) high achievers who had the highest predictable lifespan (b) the highly organised and structured, and (c) those reliable and responsible people dedicated to serving their community.

A Chicago study also found that conscientious people have an astounding 89% reduced likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

People can develop or strengthen these positive character traits at any age however, if you are of mature standing keep up your interests and enjoy a productive and organised retirement.

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