Stability and diligence leads to longer life

If you want a longer life, then it pays to be diligent, industrious, and emotionally stable, rather than slapdash and complacent, according to a study by scientists at the University of California.

Dr Howard Friedman led the study into the personalities and lifespans of 8,900 people and said that “highly conscientious people live on average two to four years longer.

“Conscientious folk are less likely to smoke, drink to excess or take too many risks.

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

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

The study found that people who were the least conscientious were 50% more likely to die at any given age, than those who scored highly.

High achievers were the most likely to live longest, followed by orderly people who kept their lives organised and structured, with the next in line being people who were reliable and responsible in their daily lives.