Telomere length is mediated by a number of factors. Remember Conscientiousness—the propensity to be planful, reliable, and industrious and to adhere to social norms and tolerate delayed gratification? It turns out that childhood Conscientiousness predicts telomere length forty years later, as shown by Sarah Hampson and her colleagues. Exercise is associated with increased telomere length and remediating the negative effects of stress. A diet of whole foods is associated with increased telomere length,
