This personality trait may be linked to a longer life

Can we live longer simply by cultivating certain personality traits? That's the question posed by several recent studies in personality psychology, which confirm a strong statistical link between our way of being and our life expectancy. Without promising immortality, this research outlines a fairly precise portrait of the psychological profile associated with a longer and more active life.

A large study of nearly 570,000 people

Researchers from the University of Limerick, in Ireland, analyzed data from nearly 570,000 people followed for nearly six million person-years, as part of a paper published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Their conclusion is clear: it is conscientiousness — sense of duty, discipline, organization, reliability — that emerges as the most robust predictor of longevity among the major personality traits studied.

Specifically, the most organized people, those most faithful to their commitments and most disciplined in their daily lives have a significantly reduced risk of premature death compared with other profiles. Extraversion is also associated with a reduced mortality risk, while a high level of neuroticism — tendency toward anxiety, emotional instability — works in the opposite direction and increases that risk. Openness and agreeableness, meanwhile, do not show a marked statistical link with lifespan in this large-scale study.

Curiosity, an asset of Sardinian centenarians

A second perspective, this time provided by an Italian study led by psychologist Maria Chiara Fastame (University of Cagliari) in one of Sardinia's “blue zones” known for their high proportion of centenarians, nuances this picture. By comparing 125 adults aged 71 to 101, some living in the blue zone and others outside it, the researchers highlight another trait: openness to novelty, in other words intellectual curiosity and the desire to try new things. This trait, more subtle in large statistical studies, seems particularly associated with active aging and a better quality of life among the oldest adults, beyond the mere question of lifespan.

The two approaches do not contradict each other: one measures mortality risk across very large populations, the other focuses on the quality of aging in a particular context. Together, they suggest that several paths can lead to a long and satisfying life, without a single trait doing everything.

What this means in practice

These results do not mean that personality is fixed or that everything is decided at birth. Psychologists point out that certain traits, notably conscientiousness, can change with age and be strengthened by concrete habits:

• Structure your days with simple routines (sleep, meals, regular physical activity)
• Keep your commitments, even small ones, to strengthen the sense of personal reliability
• Cultivate curiosity: learn a new skill, take an interest in an unfamiliar subject
• Maintain regular social connections, associated with extraversion and well-being
• Work on stress management to limit the impact of neuroticism on health

Researchers remain cautious about the exact mechanisms: personality would influence longevity mainly indirectly, via health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, medical follow-up) and better management of chronic stress, rather than through a direct biological effect.

Misconception to correct

Contrary to a widespread idea, being optimistic or sociable is not enough on its own to guarantee a longer life: it is the combination of personal discipline and good emotional management that weighs most in the most robust studies. This work falls under psychology and echoes broader findings in health and medicine, while fitting into comprehensive approaches to fitness and well-being in daily life.

Frequently asked questions

Which personality trait is most associated with longevity?

According to the large Irish study conducted on nearly 570,000 people, conscientiousness (organization, discipline, sense of duty) comes first, followed by extraversion.

Can personality change with age?

Yes, psychologists consider that certain traits, notably conscientiousness, are not fixed and can be strengthened by routines and lifestyle habits built over time.

Does curiosity play a role in aging?

The study conducted in Sardinia suggests that intellectual curiosity is particularly present among centenarians in high-longevity areas, linked to active aging rather than just lifespan.

Sources

• MedicalXpress — Personality traits are powerful predictors of risk of death
• 24 Matins — Living to 100: what if curiosity mattered more than we think
• Psychologies.com — This personality trait may be linked to a longer life

This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence. Editorial policy