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Personality and mortality in old age.
Robert S Wilson1, Carlos F Mendes de Leon, Julia L Bienias
1Rush Institute for Healthy Aging and Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA. rwilson@rush.edu
Summary
Discover how personality traits impact longevity. High neuroticism increases mortality risk, while high conscientiousness is linked to a longer lifespan in older adults. These findings highlight personality
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Personality traits are recognized as potential determinants of health outcomes.
- Previous research suggests links between personality and longevity, but more studies are needed in diverse aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the five principal dimensions of personality and mortality risk in a cohort of older Catholic clergy members.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the NEO Five-Factor Inventory to assess personality dimensions at baseline.
- Followed 883 participants for an average of 5.1 years, recording 182 deaths.
Main Results:
- High neuroticism scores were associated with nearly double the risk of death.
- High conscientiousness scores were associated with approximately half the risk of death.
- Extraversion showed mixed findings, while agreeableness and openness were not strongly related to mortality.
Conclusions:
- Personality dimensions, particularly neuroticism and conscientiousness, are significantly associated with mortality risk in older age.
- These findings contribute to understanding the role of psychological factors in aging and longevity.