Everyone wants to live a long and healthy life. There are a lot of factors that affect our longevity such as genetics, diet, exercise, and environment.

However, recent research has found that there is one trait that is closely connected to lifespan and that is conscientiousness.

What is Conscientiousness?

Conscientiousness is a personality trait that refers to the tendency to be responsible, organized, dependable, and hard-working. Individuals who score high on conscientiousness tend to be more reliable, efficient, and goal-oriented.

They are also more likely to follow rules and adhere to social conventions. While the opposite of conscientiousness is impulsivity, procrastination, and lack of self-discipline.

The Link Between Conscientiousness and Longevity

Several studies have found a strong correlation between conscientiousness and longevity.

For example, a study conducted by the National Institute on Aging followed a group of people for over eight decades and found that the most successful aging was associated with high levels of conscientiousness. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology followed over 8,000 people for 60 years and found that those who scored high on conscientiousness lived longer than those who scored low.

There are several reasons why conscientiousness may be linked to a longer lifespan.

Firstly, conscientious people tend to engage in healthier behaviors such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding risky behaviors such as smoking and excessive drinking. They also tend to be more proactive about their health, for example, they are more likely to get regular check-ups and follow medical advice.

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Secondly, conscientiousness may buffer the negative effects of stress on the body. Stress is a known risk factor for many chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

However, individuals who are high on conscientiousness tend to cope better with stress by using emotion-focused strategies such as positive reappraisal or problem-solving. They may also be more likely to seek social support which has been shown to reduce stress and promote well-being.

Lastly, conscienctiousness may protect against cognitive decline in old age. Studies have found that people who score high on conscienctiousness tend to have better cognitive function even in late adulthood.

This could be because they have developed good habits in earlier life that they continue to maintain, or because they engage in mentally stimulating activities that help to preserve cognitive function such as reading, doing puzzles, or learning new skills.

How to Cultivate Conscientiousness?

While our personality traits are largely determined by genetics and early life experiences, it is still possible to cultivate and strengthen certain traits including conscientiousness. Here are some tips on how to become more conscientious:.

• Set clear goals and break them down into smaller achievable steps
• Create a daily routine and stick to it as much as possible
• Practice self-discipline by delaying gratification and resisting temptations
• Be accountable to others by setting up accountability systems or seeking support from family or friends
• Learn from failure and mistakes by reflecting on what went wrong and how you can improve next time
• Engage in activities that require planning, organization, and attention to detail such as building or repairing something, gardening, or doing crafts
• Practice mindfulness to develop greater self-awareness and impulse control

Conclusion

In conclusion, being conscientious is not just a desirable trait for success and well-being, it is also closely linked to a longer and healthier lifespan.

By cultivating conscientiousness, we can improve our chances of living a fulfilling life and aging successfully.