You’re only as old as you feel. But what if you could actually think yourself younger and you would actually feel younger?

A recent study found that people who feel younger than their actual age really do live longer. Researchers followed participants for eight years and found that only 14 percent of those who felt younger than their age had passed away by the end of the study, compared with 24 percent of people who felt older and later died.

Researchers aren’t surprised by the findings; they’re saying that personality can be directly tied to your destiny.

Additional findings reveal two main traits that are linked to living a longer life: conscientiousness and optimism.

Conscientiousness, the personality trait of being organized, efficient or vigilant, pushes people to have strong self-discipline, which can be beneficial to one’s health — and life — for many reasons. Highly conscientious people might have more motivation to work toward a healthy lifestyle that will help them to continue living well as they age.

Recent studies have shown conscientious people appear less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or cardiovascular disease. Conscientious people also tend to go to the doctor more and stick to medicine regimens; both key elements to living healthier and longer.

On the other hand, having low conscientiousness levels has been linked to specific risky behaviors — such as using drugs.

The other trait for living a longer life, optimism, isn’t only good for your attitude; being positive has been linked to a reduced risk of heart failure in previous studies.

Ultimately, researchers say aging well can become a self-fulfilling prophecy — and it starts with your mind.