In the early 21st century, scientists identified several regions of the world where an extraordinarily high proportion of people live to be 100 years old while maintaining independence and good health. These areas are known as 'blue zones.' They include central and eastern Sardinia (Italy), Okinawa (Japan), Ikaria (Greece), and the Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica). Researchers continue to study the residents of these regions, trying to understand what factors help them remain active for longer. One of the latest studies was conducted by specialists from the University of Cagliari in Italy. They aimed to determine whether the personality traits of Sardinian centenarians differ from those of their peers living in neighboring areas. The study involved 125 individuals aged 71 to 101 years. All of them lived on the island of Sardinia. For comparison, the scientists also examined a group of elderly people of the same age who lived in nearby rural areas but did not belong to the residents of the 'blue zone.' Each participant was visited at home, where their cognitive abilities, psychological state, personality traits, lifestyle, and interests were assessed. ### What Traits Are More Common Among Centenarians As a result of the study, scientists identified six character traits that were most commonly found among residents of the 'blue zone': * **Curiosity** — an interest in the surrounding world and a willingness to learn new things. * **Sociability** — the ability to maintain old relationships and easily make new acquaintances. * **Zest for life** — the ability to maintain a positive attitude even in difficult situations. * **Emotional stability** — the ability to understand one's own feelings, openly express them, and cope with stress. * **Organization and responsibility** — the habit of planning tasks, setting goals, and achieving them systematically. * **Kindness** — the desire to help others, respect other people, while maintaining personal boundaries. > "Residents of the 'blue zone' were more curious, more willing to try new things, and demonstrated higher emotional competence — the ability to understand their own feelings and share them with others," noted the study leader, Professor Maria Chiara Fastame from the University of Cagliari. ### An Active Mind — Another Habit of Centenarians Researchers also noticed that residents of 'blue zones' spend significantly more time engaging in activities that support brain function. On average, they spent about 11 hours a week reading, gardening, and pursuing other intellectual hobbies. Participants from the control group spent about seven hours on such activities. Moreover, centenarians were found to be more open to new experiences and better at understanding their own emotions, which, according to scientists, helps them cope with life's challenges more easily. Particular attention was paid to the personality trait of neuroticism — the tendency towards anxiety, constant worrying, self-doubt, and negative emotions. According to their data, a high level of neuroticism is most closely associated with a decline in quality of life and faster aging. > "Neuroticism — the tendency towards anxiety, depression, and constant negative worrying — turned out to be the personality trait most closely linked to a decline in quality of life and faster aging," states the research by Maria Chiara Fastame and her colleagues. The authors of the study emphasize that the secret to longevity is not limited to proper nutrition or physical activity. Psychological well-being, curiosity, social interaction, emotional stability, and ongoing intellectual engagement play equally important roles. It is the combination of these factors, according to scientists, that helps people not only live longer but also maintain a high quality of life in old age.