Outgoing people live longer
Life lessons, courtesy of the apes.
Confident, outgoing people who are socially engaged live longer lives. How can that be when the rest of us want so often to punch them in the face?
Yet, it’s true. A study from the University of Edinburgh newly affirms that personality is intertwined with physical well-being. This time, the evidence arrives courtesy of our genetic brethren, the apes.
More on MSN Living: Best sweater for your body type
As published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B and reported on LiveScience, animal experts familiar with some 298 apes from North American zoos and sanctuaries were asked to rate the animals on a set of personality traits including dominance, extroversion, neuroticism, and agreeableness. Researchers then compared the temperament assessments with information gleaned from over 18 years’ of data collected about the apes, including their life spans.
Of all the personality traits considered, only extroversion was linked to how long a gorilla was expected to live.
Researcher Alex Weiss was quoted by LiveScience as saying, “These findings highlight how understanding the natural history of personality is vital to ensuring the continued health and well-being of humans, gorillas and other great apes.”
More on MSN Living: 10 habits that keep marriages strong
What’s so great about them apes? Well, apparently these knuckle-draggers are on to something that only a commensurate number of humans have figured out. When we can find our way to being positive, curious, and socially interactive, our lives get not only better but longer. Mental health stands to be rewarded with, and mirrored by, physical health.
The CDC estimates the average life expectancy for Americans at 76.3 years for men and 81.1 years for women. Studies have noted that people who outlive the averages tend to be optimistic and easygoing. It may be that one set of underlying genetics has dual influence on personality and longevity, though we’ve also seen powerful indications that a good attitude paired with a close-knit group of family and friends can be fundamental to overcoming health challenges, including some genetic conditions.
With social graces come social support systems, a built-in network for caregiving, and reduced stress. There’s strength and safety in numbers, goes the living logic, and sociable people win the numbers game.
Photo: Paul Souders/Getty Images
Bing: World's oldest person dies.
More from MSN Living:
Worst cringe-worthy style and beauty fashions of 2012
The best beauty and style looks of the year
Marriage counselors: The trickiest issues we've ever solved
inspire: live a better life
-
Who should pay for a same-sex wedding?
Miss Manners touches on the financial requirements of same-sex in-laws for a wedding celebration.
-
100 ways to save money
Saving money only requires a few things: common sense, observation and self-restraint. It’s not always fun – especially in our consumer-driven society – but it’s always wise. So with a little research and some good old-fashioned inside-of-the-box thinking, we present 100 ways to get your spending back on track and your savings account flush with capital.
-
Ordinary people doing extraordinary things
You don’t have to be a saint or a genius to do something great. Here are 20 inspiring stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
-
14 Gifts Under $100
Adorable, original gifts to delight dads, grads, and newlyweds (plus they're under $100!).
-
9 summer solstice traditions
Happy summer solstice, the celestial event celebrating the longest day and shortest night of the year. Here are 9 summer solstice traditions:
-
I thought we had a good time on the first date
Miss Manners shares how to handle the next steps after a first date...gone wrong.
-
What do I do when I blank on someone's name?
Miss Manners advises on how to navigate the potentially embarrassing situation.
-
9 simple ways to de-stress at home
When there's no time to escape to the spa, create your own oasis at home. Here are nine ways to help you decompress in the comfort of your bedroom.
-
Help: I only have 6 invitations for my graduation
Miss Manners offers advice on what to do when you don't have enough invites.
-
30 Is NOT the New 20. But Is That Bad or Good for Us?
Clinical psychologist Meg Jay recently gave a TED talk that may make 30-somethings or almost-30-somethings break out in a nervous sweat. Here’s her main message: You know how you’re always hearing that 30 is the new 20? Phew, right? Wrong!
-
When children suffer from a family feud
Miss Manners talks about how to handle separated parents and extended family who don't get along.
-
My step-child is causing me heartache
Miss Manners on how to handle a stressful situation involving a step-daughter, an ex-son-in-law and a grandchild
