Certain 'Personality Genes' Correlate With Longevity, Says Study

An anonymous reader writes "People who are outgoing, optimistic, easygoing, and have a good sense of humor and a large social network are likely to live longer than others who don't possess these personality traits, according to new research (abstract). The study reveals how saying, 'It's in their genes' could refer to more than just genetic variations that give a physiological advantage, like having high levels of HDL ('good') cholesterol, because people with positive personality traits appear to live longer than those who do not."

Comments

Uh Oh.

[ColdWetDog]

optimistic, easygoing, and have a good sense of humor and a large social network

Well, we here at Slashdot might as well go out and jump off a bridge. Really.

We're doomed.

Re:Uh Oh.

[GoodNewsJimDotCom]

I'm trying to invent a sense of humor so good that I will live forever.

I just need to be careful to not to stumble across The funniest joke in the world

Re:Uh Oh.

[digitig]

It did strike me that that was one reason people with positive personalities would live longer. Their suicide rate is likely to be lower. Also people who feel they have a lot to live for tend to be more careful driving and so on. Does the study distinguish between natural causes of death and all causes? (It's probably in the RA, but this is /. so I'm not going to read that, am I?)

Re:Uh Oh.

[war4peace]

You could just rephrase the article:

""People who are outgoing, optimistic, easygoing, and have a good sense of humor and a large social network are less likely to commit suicide, therefore more likely to live longer", study says.
DOH.

Re:Uh Oh.

[digitig]

Do you really think that texting behind the wheel is a sign of a healthy social life? Or of somebody who is desperate for approval?

Re:Uh Oh.

[Paradise Pete]

They sound like the only ones that show up in the studies, easy to find.

I think that's a good point. My mother, whose father lived to 101 and mother to 95, will be 86 this year. She's a sharp as she ever was, drives like a 30 year old, and worked full time until last year when they laid off half the office. She'd still be working if that hadn't happened. She'll make it to 100 easy.
And I guarantee that she would not be bothered to answer any kind of questionnaire or participate in a study like that.

Re:Obvious?

[MagusSlurpy]

Or even just having a more positive life (laughing, not stressing out) lowers your blood pressure and keeps you from stroking out.

That's a relief

[metacell]

Life as an introverted, brooding pessimist with no friends or sense of humour is hell, but at least it won't last as long.

Re:AND 85% OF STUDIES ARE JUST PLAIN WRONG !!

[MagusSlurpy]

Including the study that determined that 85% figure.

Re:Obvious?

[Hentes]

Only if it's in your genes. If you have developed that personality by yourself that doesn't count.

You mean Type A douchebags die sooner?

[Gothmolly]

Who'd have thought that aggressive, competitive people end up dying earlier than more laid back types? Go Science!

Re:You mean Type A douchebags die sooner?

[demonlapin]

Of course, in the end, the only thing that matters for determining the composition of the human race is how many descendants you have.

Re:How surprising

[ne0n]

Bullshit. I submit as anecdotal evidence my finding that the super-old number disproportionately among the crankiest people I know.

Re:4 out of 5

[dgatwood]

Why buy now when you can wait six months and buy a controlling stake for less than a burger and some fries?

Re:AND 85% OF STUDIES ARE JUST PLAIN WRONG !!

[Anonymous Coward]

Don't believe everything you read on the internet - that's how WW1 started.

Being born into the strong big family

[elucido]

The best opportunities go to those born into strong big families. This is the large social network the study is talking about.
This isn't necessarily a gene because there isn't a specific gene we can identify which determines the size of someones social network, it's more some people are in the lucky sperm club and some are not.

If you're born into a big wealthy family you'll likely have a large social network, be more outgoing, etc simply because you were born into the environment which rewards that. If you're born into a small poor family none of those traits will be as beneficial. Being funny for instance wont help you if you don't have the large social network to begin with. Being outgoing wont help you if you've got fewer people to be outgoing with. There are too many variables here to conclude genes rather than environment and "luck" determine longevity in this instance.

Re:You listed none of the attributes

[Sosarian Avatar]

The problem there is that it's typical for those of us with disabilities or major/terminal illnesses to minimize our difficulties and try to seem 'normal' in order to not drive others away or create awkward silences -- and it eventually becomes easy to compartmentalize so that when we're with friends/family, we really are happy. It's very hard to describe without giving the wrong impression, but I'm essentially trying to say that while we're not automatically unhappy or miserable (and most of us aren't, once we've accepted this as our "normal"), the way we behave or seem also isn't a reliable indicator of our internal state.

As for being poor, that really depends on how much it's affecting the person. If their medical needs are being met, they're able to cover their bills and get themselves something pleasant once in a while, then sure, it won't affect their attitude as long as they're primarily around others of approximately the same income bracket. If they're poor enough that it means going without needed dental or medical care (especially if it leaves a visible impact, like missing teeth), can't afford to buy socially appropriate gifts, can barely cover their bills (or have to work out agreements with utility companies) despite cutting everything inessential, and can never indulge themselves -- then it's normal for one's mood to slip.

(Writing as someone with congenital disabilities that developed more problems in adulthood, living on Supplemental Security Income and knows a lot of others in the same position.)

Old joke

[Pseudonymus Bosch]

A journalist interviews the oldest man in town:
"How did you manage to reach such an old age? What's your secret?"
"Oh, it's just that I don't argue anymore"
"Come on, you can't tell us it's so simple. Please tell us the truth"
"Well, then it must be for some other reason as you say".