THURSDAY, May 31 (HealthDay News) -- Centenarians often have a positive outlook on life, are less likely to be neurotic, and are more likely to be conscientious, suggesting that genetically-based aspects of personality play a role in longevity, according to a study published online May 21 in Aging.
Kaori Kato, Psy.D., from Yeshiva University in Bronx, N.Y., and colleagues assessed the personalities (using the Personality Outlook Profile Scale) of 243 centenarians (mean age, 97.6 years; 75 percent women) living independently who were Ashkenazi Jews and thus genetically homogeneous.
The researchers found that the subjects generally had a positive outlook on life. Most were outgoing, optimistic, and easygoing; considered laughter to be important; had a large social network; and expressed emotions openly. They were less likely to display neuroticism and were more likely to be conscientious than the general population.
"This study adds to a growing body of knowledge which suggests that centenarians may share particular personality characteristics and suggests that genetically-based aspects of personality may play an important role in achieving positive health outcomes and exceptional longevity," Kato and colleagues conclude.
Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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