There’s a new discovery about living a long life and being happy.

Researchers in the Longevity Genes Project of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York, have found that being outgoing, optimistic, easygoing, and enjoying laughter as well as staying engaged in activities may be part of the longevity genes mix.

In a recent study, centenarians were given a brief measure (the Personality Outlook Profile Scale, or POPS). They scored higher than most younger folks on traits reflecting optimism.

“Our findings suggest that centenarians share particular personality traits and that genetically-based aspects of personality may play an important role in achieving both good health and exceptional longevity.”  — Nir Barzilai, M.D

Now, we can’t say for sure that a long life is a result of being positive, but the study shows a preponderance of positive outlook traits in the 97-year-old and up crowd they studied.

There may be a genetic predisposition that kept them upbeat and social their entire lives, or as some studies show they might have gotten happier as they grew older!  You see, some research reveals that from 70 to 100 years of age, our personalities can change.

Bottom line, being happy certainly can’t hurt you, and it may tip the scales in your favor, if a long and happy life is what you are looking for.

So, as the song says, and a lot of 100-year-olds know, “Don’t worry, be happy!”

Click here, for a related CBS video about The Longevity Genes Project’s “Super Agers” .

Do you feel happy enough to live to be 100? I’ve helped others discover and deepen their happiness through my 8-week life coaching process Wishful Thinking Works Life Coaching

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