If you have these five personality traits you'll have a better quality of life

So says science

Ever wondered which personality traits you need be successful? A recent study of over 8,000 people over the age of 50 has revealed the characteristics which lead to a more fulfilling and happier life.

Published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the new research suggests that the following personality traits yield a much better quality of life, according to Business Insider. The more of these 'life skills' participants possessed, the more likely they were to have higher income and wealth, lower levels of depression, closer relationships and fewer chronic illnesses – to name just a few of the benefits.

So, how many of the qualities can you tick off the list?

Conscientiousness

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Great news if you've got a good work ethic and like to get things done properly – being conscientious is linked to better well-being and happiness. What's more, research has shown that conscientious people, both men and women, tend to live longer than their less-so counterparts, Business Insider reports.

Optimism

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Turns out it pays to be a bit more 'happy go lucky' in life, as optimism is one of the 'magic five' traits on the list. About a quarter of people studied were labelled as being 'optimistic', having agreed that 'life is full of opportunities' and that 'the future looks good' for them. If optimism is something you really struggle with, try incorporating a few of these things that will make you happier into your life.

Grit

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Only a fifth of those surveyed were labelled as having grit or drive, meaning it's actually quite a rare quality, so being naturally self-motivated is a pretty great skill to have. Not sure you're tough enough? Be sure to try out some of our hacks for thicker skin if you feel that you're a bit too sensitive.

Emotional stability

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Being emotionally stable relates to how you deal with challenges in life and how you cope with pressure. About a third of participants identified as being emotionally stable and it's the trait with the strongest links to a longer life, according to previous research reported on by Business Insider.

Control

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This was the most common of the five characteristics found by the research – 41% of the 8,000 participants were found to have a high level of control. To ascertain how much control they had in life, participants were asked the extent to which they agreed with the statement 'At home, I feel I have control over what happens in most situations'. More control = better wellbeing and fulfilment, basically.

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If you weren't blessed with these traits naturally and this has left you feeling a bit worried, don't panic. The study suggests it's not down to being 'born with it', as these traits can actually be mastered over time.

Better get learning...