X-Message-Number: 31126
From: Kennita Watson <>
Subject: Conscientiousness --> long life, according to study
Date: Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:04:02 -0700

Here's another reason to get organized....

Live long and prosper,
Kennita
--
No injustice.  No intolerance. No on 8.

-- original message follows --
All work and no play might make Jack a dull boy - but it will help  
him live longer.

For the secret to a long life is to be conscientious, scientists  
claimed yesterday.

Diligent, industrious and emotionally stable people live up to four  
years longer than those who are slapdash and complacent, according to  
their report.

Co-author Margaret Kern told New Scientist magazine: 'These  
individuals are hardworking, resourceful, confident and ambitious.'

The findings add to growing evidence that links our health with our  
temperament.

Dr Howard Friedman, of the University of California, Riverside, led  
the study into the personality and lifespan of 8,900 people.

He said: 'Highly conscientious people live on average two to four  
years longer.

'There is evidence for several sorts of reasons. Conscientious folks  
are less likely to smoke, drink to excess or take too many risks.

'But it is also true that conscientious folks lead life patterns that  
are more stable and less stressful.

'Finally, there is evidence that biological factors are relevant,  
affecting both personality and health.'

Dr Friedman pooled the results of 20 studies comparing length of life  
with a standard psychological test before publishing the findings in  
the journal Health Psychology.

People who were the least conscientious were 50 per cent more likely  
to die at any given age than those who scored highly.

After breaking down the participants into smaller groups, they found  
that high achievers were the most likely to live the longest.

Orderly people - who keep their lives well organised and structured -  
were the second longest livers, followed by people who were reliable  
and responsible.

Miss Kern added: 'These people are often seen as respectable members  
of the community, who contribute time and energy to society, co- 
operate with colleagues and neighbours, and are trustworthy.'

Research has shown that your health is linked to status.

People with PhDs often live longer than those with degrees, who live  
longer than non graduates, and Oscar-winners live around three years  
more than nominated actors who miss out.

But working harder to live longer doesn't mean you have to toil  
through a life of tedious drudgery, the scientists said.

One of the studies looked at by Margaret Kern charted the lives of  
U.S. presidents.

The first, George Washington, lived to 67 - twice the norm at the end  
of the 18th century.

She added: 'He was very conscientious, yet he certainly didn't live a  
boring life.'

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