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Diet, exercise, and strong social connections are often credited for helping people live longer, but new research suggests personality may play an equally important role. Scientists studying one of the world’s famous “Blue Zones” found that people who reach exceptional ages tend to share a key psychological trait that could influence how they age.
Researchers from the University of Cagliari in Italy studied 125 adults between the ages of 71 and 101 living in Sardinia, a region known for its unusually high number of centenarians. The team found that while residents of the Sardinian Blue Zone did not report significantly better overall health-related quality of life than people living nearby, they consistently scored much higher on one personality trait, openness. The findings were published in the International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology.
Openness is one of the “Big Five” personality traits and is associated with curiosity, creativity, a willingness to learn, and an interest in trying new experiences. The researchers believe these characteristics encourage behaviors that support healthy aging, such as staying mentally active, pursuing hobbies, maintaining social relationships, and embracing lifelong learning.
The study also found that Blue Zone residents demonstrated stronger coping skills, greater emotional competence, and spent more time participating in mentally and physically stimulating leisure activities. Across all participants, those who scored higher in openness generally reported greater psychological well-being and were more likely to engage in hobbies.
Other personality traits also showed meaningful associations. Individuals with higher conscientiousness tended to report greater life satisfaction and better coping abilities, while those with higher levels of neuroticism were more likely to experience poorer health-related quality of life.
The researchers emphasize that personality itself is unlikely to directly determine how long someone lives. Instead, it may influence everyday choices and habits that contribute to healthier aging over time. Someone who is naturally curious, for example, may be more inclined to stay active, build social connections, and continue learning throughout life.
Because the research was observational and involved a relatively small group of participants, it cannot prove that openness causes longevity. However, the findings add to growing evidence that psychological traits may work alongside diet, exercise, and social engagement to increase the chances of living a longer, healthier life.
