Conscientiousness, said Friedman in a news release, "seems to be as important as most commonly assessed medical risk factors, few of which are psychological ... Not only do conscientious individuals have better health habits and less risk-taking, but they also travel life pathways toward healthier psychosocial environments -- such as more stable jobs and marriages -- and may even have a biological predisposition toward good health."

"Who wants to hang round with a whole lot of boring, conscientious old farts," will be one response. It could become a part of question time for future Presidents.
Does it mean that, if you are old, you are conscientious? I know a lot who fit the bill, but many who don't appear to.