Last Updated on March 2, 2023 by
Table of Contents
Protect your DNA
Inside our cells, genes are arranged in chromosomes. At the ends of the chromosomes are telomeres, which get smaller each time a cell divides. Therefore, the faster the telomeres get smaller, the faster the cells die, and therefore the aging process is accelerated. Research shows that a healthy lifestyle characterized by proper diet, exercise, low stress levels, avoiding smoking, etc., contributes significantly to slowing down the process of cell apoptosis and thus slowing down the aging process.
Longevity, or the ability to live a long and healthy life, is a goal that many people strive for. While genetics plays a role in our lifespan, there are several easy-to-follow longevity secrets that can help us live longer and healthier lives.
Play to win
80 years of research has shown that people who are conscientious – i.e., pay attention to detail, think things through and always try to do the right thing – live longer. They do more for their health, and their choices lead to stronger relationships and career success.
Make friends
Here’s another reason to feel grateful for your friends; they can help you live longer. Dozens of studies prove the clear link between strong social connections and longevity. For example, check this metanalysis published on PLOS Medicine for more. So make sure you set aside more time for your friends.
Get a Hyperbaric Chamber
There are multiple research that shown that people who undertake regular hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments live more than people who don’t. Nowadays, you can get a hyperbaric chamber for home use. Popular Health and holistic blog FoodNurish has produced a guide with some solid Hyperbaric chamber recommendations – if you are thinking buying one.
Make good friend choices.
Your friends’ habits influence you, so make sure you surround yourself with people with healthy lifestyles. Your chances of becoming overweight increase when you have a friend who tends to gain weight. Smoking is also a habit that tends to be passed between friends, as is quitting smoking.
Quit smoking
We know that quitting smoking contributes to longevity, but the degree to which it contributes will surprise you. A 50-year British study shows that quitting smoking at 30 can give you an extra decade of life. Quitting at 40, 50 or 60 can add 9, 6 or 3 years of life, respectively.
Don’t underestimate the midday ‘siesta.’
Midday naps are a habit of many peoples, and there is now research showing that they contribute to longevity. People who regularly get little sleep during the day are 37% less likely to die of heart disease than those who do not rest during the day. Scientists believe that this sleep helps the heart keep stress hormone levels low.
Follow the Mediterranean diet.
It is rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, olive oil and fish. The Mediterranean diet can significantly reduce your chances of metabolic syndrome, which puts you at risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Eat like the people of Okinawa.
This is an island in Japan whose inhabitants have the longest lifespan on the planet. Their diet is their secret. It is rich in green and yellow vegetables and low in calories. Also, a typical habit of these people is to eat only 80% of their meals.
Get Married
Married people tend to outlive their single friends in years. Researchers say this is due to the social and financial support that married people have. Although a successful marriage is the ideal scenario, it seems that even divorced or widowed people live longer than confirmed bachelors.
Lose weight
If you are overweight, losing weight will protect you from diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other diseases that reduce life expectancy. Abdominal fat is of increased risk. Eat more fiber and put exercise into your life to achieve the desired result.
Don’t stop moving
There is stark evidence. People who exercise regularly live longer on average than inactive people. Regular physical exercise reduces the chances of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some cancers and depression. It also helps maintain sharpness as you age.
Drink alcohol, but in moderation.
Heart disease is less common in people who drink a little than those who don’t drink at all. On the other hand, drinking too much alcohol has the opposite effect, as it increases abdominal fat, blood pressure and causes many other health problems.
Believe
People who believe in a religion tend to live longer than those who believe in nothing. A 12-year study involving people over the age of 65 showed that those who attended religious services had better immune systems than those who did not. The strong social network that people with common beliefs join also contributes to this.
Forgive
When you forget your anger, you are doing your health good. Chronic anger is linked to heart disease, stroke, respiratory problems, etc. Forgiveness will reduce your stress and blood pressure and allow you to breathe freely.
Drive carefully
Car accidents are the 5th leading cause of death in the United States and the number one cause of death in ages 1-24. Wearing a seat belt as well as a helmet reduces the chance of dying from a serious accident by 50%
Put sleep on your priorities.
Getting enough quality sleep of sufficient duration reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and depression. It also helps our immune system. Manage stress properly You will never be able to avoid stress entirely, but you can find ways to manage it.
Try yoga
Meditation or even simple deep breathing. Even a few minutes a week can make a difference.
Have goals
Hobbies and activities that are meaningful to you help you live longer. Japanese researchers saw that men with a strong sense of purpose were less likely to die of heart disease, stroke, etc., within 13 years than those with no purpose. A conscious sense of what you are doing and for what purpose may also reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer’s.
A Quick Overview
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and increase lifespan.
- Stay active: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, among other chronic diseases.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can have a negative impact on our health and reduce our lifespan. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can help manage stress.
- Get enough sleep: Sleep is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and increase lifespan.
- Maintain social connections: Having strong social connections can help reduce the risk of depression and improve overall wellbeing.
Incorporating these easy-to-follow longevity secrets into our daily lives can help us live longer, healthier lives. By taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional health, we can improve our overall wellbeing and increase our chances of living a long and fulfilling life.
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