Until researchers figure out how to coax our cells into reversing their steady march toward the end of life, here’s a glimpse of what they know now.

Many studies have shown that there are a number of lifestyle factors that may prolong life:

    • Getting at least five hours sleep a night can lower your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and mood disorders, which may all lead to a shortened lifespan. It will also help you recover from illness faster.
    • Japanese researchers found that people who had meaningful hobbies and activities were less likely to die from stroke, heart disease or other causes than those who were less sure of themselves; they were also less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease.
    • Conscientious people, meaning those who pay attention to detail, think things through and try to do what’s right, tend to make healthier choices. Productive, hardworking people (even in old age) tend to be happier, healthier and more socially connected than their less productive peers.
    • There’s a clear link between strong social ties and a longer life. Women tend to have stronger social networks, which may be partly why they tend to live longer than men. Some research even suggests that immune function is improved when we are around friends.
    • You know that giving up cigarettes can lengthen your life. Kicking the habit at age 40, 50, or 60 can add nine, six, or three years to your life, respectively.
    • Those who have regular siestas are 37% less likely to die from heart disease than those who rarely steal a few winks. Researchers think naps might help your heart by keeping stress hormones down.
    • A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and olive oil is linked to a healthier old age. It can put a dent in your chances of getting metabolic syndrome (a mix of obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and other things that make you likely to have heart disease and diabetes) and even protect against memory loss.
    • If you’re overweight, slimming down can protect against diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions that take years off your life. Belly fat is bad for you, so focus on deflating that spare tire by cutting out sugar, eating more fibre and exercising.
    • Regular physical activity lowers your chances of getting heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some forms of cancer and depression. It may even help you stay mentally sharp into ripe old age. Ten-minute spurts are fine, as long as they add up to about 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week.
    • People who attend religious services tend to live longer than those who don’t. A 12-year study showed that people over age 65 who attended church more than once a week had higher levels of a key immune system protein than their peers who didn’t.
    • Letting go of grudges has surprising health benefits. Chronic anger is linked to heart disease, stroke, poorer lung health and other problems. Forgiveness will reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and help you breathe more easily. The rewards tend to go up as you get older!

 

Sources

http://time.com/81573/how-to-live-longer/
www.gaiam.com/discover/400/article/7-secrets-living-long-happy-life/