Genetic Influences on Personality and Health in Old Age

Both self-reported and spouse rated data on dimensions of personality support the position that mean levels of major personality factors are stable after age 30, and most life events apparently have little effect on underlying personality.  Moreover, similar patterns of maturational change from college age to middle adulthood have been observed cross-culturally.  This kind of stability in underlying personality means that studies of personality in an older cohort can be undertaken even when longitudinal assessment of personality is not available.

There are very little data on the heritability of personality traits among those 80 or more years old.  Also there are scant data on the stability of personality among this group, and there are virtually no data on the heritability or genetic moderation of personality changes among them.  A frequently held assumption from the field of gerontology holds that genetic influences on behavior decrease as people accumulate experience and expertise.  However, recent research indicates that the relative magnitude of genetic influence on cognitive function remains substantial throughout the life span. 

The goal of the proposed 3-year research activity is to examine genetic influences on personality in old age in the NAS-NRC Twin Registry.  Study recruitment will continue through mid-2005.  Members of the NAS-NTC Twin Registry who are interested in participating in this study and who have not received an invitation letter may contact us using the study’s toll-free telephone number (1-866-289-9239) or contact us through this website (iomwww@nas.edu).