Researchers at the University of Madrid identified distinctive character traits common among people who live to advanced ages. Their study, published in the Journal of Happiness Research, sheds light on what seems to matter most for longevity and well-being in later years.
Roughly 14,000 individuals aged 100 to 107 participated in the research. The team conducted a series of assessments to map character profiles, uncovering 19 shared traits. Among these were honesty, a love of learning, gratitude, high intelligence, mobility, and natural curiosity.
Curiosity emerged as a central trait for centenarians, with cheerfulness, religious or spiritual beliefs, courage, and humor ranking closely behind. The researchers suggest that these qualities contribute to better health outcomes, including brain health, and may play a role in sustaining vitality as people age. Plans for further studies focusing on centenarians are already in motion.
One scientist noted that examining the lives of centenarians helps illuminate how to pursue a healthy, active old age. The advice is practical: stay curious, explore new cultures, travel, read, keep the mind engaged, and continually learn new areas of knowledge. Such pursuits may correlate with longer, more fulfilling lives.
Earlier work in the field indicated that memory training initiated in youth can help preserve recall abilities in later years. This line of research supports the idea that cognitive engagement across the lifespan contributes to cognitive resilience.
Source attribution: University of Madrid research team; Journal of Happiness Research. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence on aging, cognition, and well-being.