Wondering How Long You'll Live?

Your personality counts. Researchers at the National Institute of Aging looked at the life spans and individual traits of 2.359 adults. They discovered that those who lived longest had three qualities in common: They were conscientious, emotionally stable, and active. that finding makes sense. People who are conscientious, as well as people who are emotionally stable, tend to avoid risky behaviors such as smoking. Active people (defined in this study as energetic and fast-paced) are often fit and social, qualities linked to better mental and physical health. (More magazine - November, 2008)