Childhood self-control forecasts the pace of midlife aging and preparedness for old age.

ABSTRACT: The ability to control one's own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in early life predicts a range of positive outcomes in later life, including longevity. Does it also predict how well people age? We studied the association between self-control and midlife aging in a population-representative cohort of children followed from birth to age 45 y, the Dunedin Study. We measured children's self-control across their first decade of life using a multi-occasion/multi-informant strategy. We measured their pace of aging and aging preparedness in midlife using measures derived from biological and physiological assessments, structural brain-imaging scans, observer ratings, self-reports, informant reports, and administrative records. As adults, children with better self-control aged more slowly in thei

SUBMITTER: Richmond-Rakerd LS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7826388 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature