An easy-going personality may help to forestall cognitive decline as we age.  Researchers from the Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) studied 506 older Swedes and found that those men and women who were socially outgoing and not easily distressed by circumstances were 49% less likely to develop dementia over time, as compared to those who were extroverted and neurotic. In addition, a calm personality was also associated with a 49% reduced dementia risk in those who were not socially active compared with those who were stay-at-homes but prone to distress.

Generally speaking, people with relaxed personalities tend to have a more stable mood and are better able to handle stressful situations with little anxiety.  Try to take challenging situations in stride.