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

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2010211118
• Publication Date: 2021-01-04T21:25:51Z
• Authors: Leah S. Richmond-...; Avshalom Caspi; Antony Ambler; Tracy d’Arbeloff; Marieke de Bruine; Maxwell Elliott; HonaLee Harrington; Sean Hogan; Renate M. Houts; David Ireland; Ross Keenan; Annchen R. Knodt; Tracy R. Melzer; Sena Park; Richie Poulton; Sandhya Ramrakha; Line Jee Hartmann...; Elizabeth Sack; Adam T. Schmidt; Maria L. Sison; Jasmin Wertz; Ahmad R. Hariri; Terrie E. Moffitt
• Keywords: Preparedness; Successful Aging

Significance We followed a population-representative cohort of children from birth to their mid-forties. As adults, with better self-control aged more slowly in bodies; showed fewer signs brain aging; and were equipped manage later-life health, financial, social demands. The effects children’s separable socioeconomic origins intelligence. Children changed rank order across age, suggesting the hypothesis that it is malleable intervention target. Adults’ was associated aging outcomes independently childhood self-control, indicating midlife might offer another window. Programs are successful increasing extend both length (life span) quality (health life.