Certain 'Personality Genes' Correlate With Longevity, Says Study

An anonymous reader writes "People who are outgoing, optimistic, easygoing, and have a good sense of humor and a large social network are likely to live longer than others who don't possess these personality traits, according to new research (abstract). The study reveals how saying, 'It's in their genes' could refer to more than just genetic variations that give a physiological advantage, like having high levels of HDL ('good') cholesterol, because people with positive personality traits appear to live longer than those who do not."

Re:Uh Oh.

[digitig]

It did strike me that that was one reason people with positive personalities would live longer. Their suicide rate is likely to be lower. Also people who feel they have a lot to live for tend to be more careful driving and so on. Does the study distinguish between natural causes of death and all causes? (It's probably in the RA, but this is /. so I'm not going to read that, am I?)