Centenarians among villagers in Italy differ a positive attitude towards life, hard work, perseverance and strong ties to family, religion and native land. Figured it out by scientists of the University of Rome La Sapienza and University of California school of medicine in San Diego, who published an article in the journal International Psychogeriatrics.
According to experts, the revealed psychological features are one of the factors of long life.
The study involved 29 older people and their relative 51 of the nine villages in the Cilento area in southern Italy. The oldest volunteer turned 90-101 year. The researchers assessed indicators of mental and physical health, as well as conducted interviews in which participants spoke about personal life, important to them, and beliefs.
It turned out that centenarians mental health was better than that of younger members of their families at the age of 51-75 years. They showed optimism, self-confidence, stress tolerance and good decision-making skills. In addition, they were faithful to their beliefs, to successfully navigate through life’s challenges and not have to worry about that thought surrounding.