Ever dreamt of aging slower? Ever wanting to see your grandchildren grow up? Ever dream of living a few years longer?

In the long run, we’ll all die. The question is not if, but rather when. But, let’s face it. How long you’ll live is partly controlled by your genes, and therefore different people can expect to reach different ages. However, your lifestyle and your habits may buy you a few more years to live. Here are a few actions and habits that are proven to make people live longer:

1. Get a move on.

Why?

Physical activity has proven to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, hip fracture, high blood pressure and overweight. A study claims that a person at the age of 65 may expect to live 12,7 years longer if he or she is exercising regularity.

How?

Find a kind of activity that you really enjoy. Keep motivating yourself. Do everyday exercising, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Take a walk with your dog, do some yard-work or go play tennis. The important thing is to exercise frequently. If possible, try to find some time to work out every day.

2. Have sex.

Why?

No complains here, right? Having sex every now and then may increase your life with 3-8 years. The chemicals released by orgasms may reduce stress and help you relax more.

How?

I’ll leave this one for you to figure out.

3. Get married.

Why?

In a study conducted in the US, bachelors aged between 19 and 44 were more than twice as likely to die as people on the same age who were married. People who were divorced were also more likely to die younger than people who lived their whole life with the same partner.

How?

Find a partner who you know for sure you can share your whole life with.

4. Watch your weight.

Why?

Researches have found that being overweight increases the risk of getting heart disease, vascular disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease and cancer.

How?

Find a diet that works for you. Personally, I’d lower my consumption of carbohydrates, especially fast ones such as sugar, and increase my consumption of protein, as protein stimulates the burning of fat and creates a feeling of fullness.

5. Stay optimistic.

Why?

Studies have show that among people aged 65 to 85, optimistic ones had a 55 % lower risk of dying within eight years.

How?

Make an effort to keep a positive view on life. Take chances. Accept that everything may not work out as expected. Learn from your mistakes instead of getting beaten down.

6. Quit smoking.

Why?

A study showed that people who quit smoking reduced the risk of death by 13 % within five years. Within 20 years, the ex-smokers had about the same risk of dying as people who had never smoked.

How?

When it comes to quitting smoking, the hard part is always motivation. Why do you want to live longer in the first place? Make a list of all the reasons you can come up with.

7. Get your antioxidants.

Why?

A diet rich in antioxidants boost your immune system, prevents cancer and heart disease and may make your body age slower. However, this is only the case for antioxidants from food, as antioxidants from dietary supplements may have no noticeable or even harmful effects.

How?

Eat lots of fruits, veggies and legumes, especially colourful ones, as many antioxidants give plants their specific colours. Eats lots of berries, as these contain huge amounts of antioxidants in relation to their calorie content. Drink tea, especially green tea, without milk. Consume moderate amounts of dark chocolate, coffee and red wine.

8. De-stress.

Why?

Researches have found that too much stress increases your risk of heart disease.

How?

Find time for yourself, or time to spend with your loved ones. Meditate. Take a warm bath. Exercise. Learn to separate your work life and your private life. Participate in social activities.

Enjoy your new long and happy life!

Related posts:

1. How Sleep Affects Longevity
2. 41 Benefits of Quitting Smoking

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