You’ve probably heard over and over again that living a long life is caused by a good bunch of genetics. You might even figure that you probably don’t have the “proper genes” to live to be 100 years old or more.

Well, guess what? That whole way of thinking is starting to be sharply questioned and turned on its head!

Recent studies have shown that besides genetics a great deal of what keeps people alive for 100 years or more comes down to certain personality traits that they possess.

You read it right – PERSONALITY TRAITS!

Research is showing more and more that having a positive attitude and a sense of humor could play a pretty big role in helping you live a longer and healthier life.

Groups of centenarians who had participated in the studies have displayed other key traits besides learning to laugh and have a positive attitude. They were optimistic, easygoing, and extroverted, laugh more often than not, and express their emotions instead of bottling them up and letting them fester.

In addition, the participants were also more conscientious and less neurotic than many other Americans. But what does that even mean? Well, neurotic people tend to experience negative emotions more often than not, meaning that they respond emotionally (that is, negatively) to events that wouldn’t affect others. For example, stress and frustration to one who is more on the neurotic side would mean that minor setbacks such as the car being low on gas before going to work (and forgetting to fill up the day before), forgetting your lunch, or the dog having an accident in the house would appear to be hopelessly difficult obstacles. They may find themselves in a bad mood more often in not because they sweat the small stuff. Think of them as Drama Queens (or Drama Kings).

So what do you need to do to help yourself live a long, healthy, and happy life (well, besides eat well and exercise frequently)? It’s in the evidence – you need to get a positive attitude, pronto!

If you happen to be a bit on the negative or neurotic side, then don’t fret – you can get a positive attitude right now! It may be easier said than done, but you’ll find that practicing positive thinking and having a positive attitude will make you experience a happier life. Try to keep light of things and find humor in everything, be kind, conscientious, and work hard, too. This, along with eating well and getting exercise, will help ensure that you live a happy, healthy, long life.