Think back to your teen or young adult years….how were you described by your friends? Were you called the "cute" or "handsome" one? Or were you described as the one with the "great personality?" Back in our younger years, we all probably wished to be remembered for our looks, not our personalities. However, as it turns out, those of us who had more personality than looks may actually live longer!

     According to a study by the National Institute of Aging (NIA), people with positive personality traits can generally look forward to a few more years of life than people who are anxious, depressed or angry. This 50-year-long study revealed that people who keep busy mentally and physically, manage stress in a healthy manner and are well-organized and competent in their daily regimens tend to live two or three years longer than people who do not follow those practices. It's also interesting to note that basic personality traits generally don’t change much after age 30. People who are cheerful and upbeat at age 30 will exhibit similar personality traits as they age.

     Among women, "assertiveness" was linked to a lower risk of death. Assertive people ask questions and want answers. They aren’t shy about talking with doctors and other health-care or social service providers to get information.

     Another implication of the study is that people with positive personality traits are those who develop and maintain social relationships. They make friends easily, value those bonds, enjoy being around other people and
others enjoy their company.

     We naturally prefer to spend time with people who are positive and enthusiastic. It's nice to know that having a "great personality" may also mean that we’ll live a longer, more satisfying life.