Your happiness depends on it: These personality traits may lead to a longer and happier life

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Your happiness: These two personality traits may lead to a longer and happier life

Quick: Describe the personality of the happiest person you know. What adjectives did you come up with? Bubbly? Spontaneous? Funny? New research reveals that two of the most boring-sounding traits can actually help you live a healthier, happier and longer life...

Surprise! It turns out that people who are ambitious and disciplined live up to four years longer than more impulsive folks. A study from the University of California at Riverside found that conscientious types--the kind of people who have their nose to the grindstone and always pay their bills right on time (or early!)--are more likely to have stable relationships and are less tempted by health-dampening drugs, alcohol and other risky behaviors. People who were less conscientious were 50 percent more likely to die at any given age, on average, than those who were highly conscientious. The results shocked researchers because it suggests that personality traits might have a stronger effect on longevity than socioeconomic factors and intelligence.

Order and achievement were the top two traits associated with having a long life, but that doesn't mean that you have to be a snooze to reach the ripe old age of 100. "Conscientious does not mean boring or humorless," said lead study author Howard Friedman. Want to boost your conscientiousness? Surround yourself with friends who are good influences and consider investing in a day planner or an online calendar to stay organized.

How ambitious and disciplined are you? Do you think personality traits have an influence on how healthy you are?