How some people age more gracefully than others

A scientist from Northwestern University has suggested that an individual's personality plays an important part in his or her cognitive outcomes.

Through his research on the symposium on resilient aging, Daniel K. Mroczek, professor of psychology and medical social sciences at the university has found that personality traits have emerged as unique predictors of health, well-being and longevity across various segments of the adult lifespan.

He has conducted extensive research on lifespan personality development, including change, stability and trajectory models of key traits.

There is accumulating evidence for wide variation in patterns of growth and decline through the adult lifespan.

Many adults exhibit high levels of physical and mental fitness, engage in satisfying activities and sustain rich and nurturing social relationships into very late in the life span.

The study will be presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in Chicago.