The Key Personality Traits for Expanding Social Networks in Older Adults

A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin suggests that extraversion and agreeableness are key personality traits that predict larger social networks in older adults. The research, based on data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, found that individuals who are more outgoing and kind tend to have more friends, family members, and close relationships. Verbal communication skills were not significantly related to social relationships. The study highlights the importance of considering individual differences in social network research and understanding the factors that predict network size in later life.