Longevity

- You're the Life of the Party: Researchers speculate that their more resilient brains may be due to lower levels of cortisol--studies show that oversecretion of this "stress hormone" can inhibit brain cells' communication.
- You're a Flourisher: They have a positive outlook on life, a sense of purpose and community, and are healthier than "languishers"
- You Really Like Your Friends: "Good interpersonal relationships act as a buffer against stress," says Micah Sadigh, PhD

Chronic stress weakens the immune system and ages cells faster, ultimately shortening life span by 4 to 8 years, according to one study.

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You're the life of the party
Outgoing people are 50 percent less likely to develop dementia, according to a recent study of more than 500 men and women age 78 and older from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Participants also described themselves as not easily stressed.