These healthy habits are part of daily life for some of the longest-living people on Earth. In this article we’ll learn about their secrets to life longevity. These twenty habits and traits have been shown to promote a healthy lifestyle and a longer life expectancy.
1. Getting regular exercise is one you can use to add years to your life, and is key to a healthy lifestyle. A 2011 Danish Study shows that those that exercise more vigorously end up living an average of 4-5 years longer than more casual exercisers. Vigorous exercise can promote greater cardiovascular fitness.
2. Eating a balanced diet is one of the most important parts of a healthy and long life. Those that eat well from a range of healthy and nutritious foods can expect to live longer with stronger immune systems and physical health.
3. Flossing daily is a crucial element to dental health. Evidence shows that good dental care practices, including flossing, can help prevent serious disease, including heart diseases and periodontal disease.
4. Eat a healthy breakfast. Especially one that is rich in fiber can help maintain healthy body weight. It gives your body the elements it needs for a strong digestive system and improves mental health with better concentration.
5. Getting at least 6 hours of sleep each night gives your body the rest it needs to keep your heart healthy and immune system strong. Sleep can also help reduce stress levels.
6. Not stressing out is a key mental component to life longevity. Stress can increase blood pressure, which increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart disease.
7. Avoiding indulgences , including smoking, excessive drinking, and junk food, can help you keep a healthy diet on track and will protect you from a whole range of life-threatening health issues.
8. While you should avoid alcohol to excess, drinking a glass of red wine now and then can provide all sorts of health benefits. It’s loaded with antioxidants, can help you get a better nights rest, and it contains a compound called reveratrol that has been shown to protect against dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as increase lifespan.
9. Maintaining an active social life can make a big difference in mental health, and is especially important in old age. Staying social can reduce stress and has been shown to lower your risk of illness.
10. A sharp mind is a healthy mind. Being conscientious about your choices and decisions is key to longevity. According to The Longevity Project by Howard Friedman and Leslie Martin, keeping your wits about you with an organized lifestyle is the strongest personality trait for a long lifespan.
11. Avoiding Obesity is crucial, as obesity can lead to many long-term health problems, from high blood pressure and cholesterol to increased risk of sleep apnea, stroke, and heart disease.
12. It turns out your mother was right, eating your vegetables is an important key to a long and healthy life. Vegetables contain the fiber, vitamins and minerals your body needs to promote a healthy digestive system and fight off illness.
13. People who maintaining a regular routine usually enjoy a longer life than those who don’t. People who can maintain a routine can better avoid stress, and it can help them stay organized with exercise and proper diet.
14. Avoiding red meat can reduce your risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.
15. Eating nuts , on the other hand, can help lower your cholesterol and promote good cardiovascular health. Some healthy choices include walnuts, almonds, peanuts and cashews.
16. Maybe your mother was wrong about this one. By not finishing your plate and eating to the point of fullness, you can help your body properly digest the nutritional elements it needs to function, and it can help avoid obesity and all the risks that come with it.
17. While work may feel like it’s driving you into an early grave (and it certainly can add to your stress levels), it turns out that people who don’t retire actually live longer than those that do. Working into old age can keep your mind and body healthy by keeping you active and social.
18. Being spiritual or religious can have a big impact on length of life. Whatever form of faith you follow, studies have shown that people who are part of a religious community are likely to live longer than those that aren’t. Religious people tend to experience less anxiety and depression, and the benefits of being a socially active part of a community can make a big difference in mental health.
19. Mental practices such as meditation can help keep your mind sharp into old age. Just 20 minutes of meditation per day has been shown to decrease stress and improve your immune system.
20. There may not be much you can do about the last item on the list, but having good genes seems to be the a key to the longevity of some of the longest living people on Earth. Studies have shown that about 35% of life expectancy is determined by genes, but that still leaves 65% that you can take control over to increase your health, fitness, and chances for a long life.
