As we age, our chromosomes’ ends shrink. When their ends become shorter, chances of getting sick increase. There’s no magic anti-aging cream to stop chromosomes aging. However, lifestyle changes could reverse the damage and help you live longer.
Let’s look at some healthy habits that could help us to live longer. What comes easy won’t last long, and what lasts long won’t come easy. Therefore, if you want to live long, you must do your part.
Conscientiousness makes people live longer
Studies have found that people who don’t rush into things impulsively live longer. Paying attention to detail and thinking things through also proved to make relationships stronger and careers more fulfilling.
Live longer by keeping in touch
Choose your friends wisely and create long-lasting friendships. Several studies show a specific link between strong friendships and longer lives. Bottom line — keep in touch. Also, show your friends your gratitude for their roles in your life. However, bad habits are contagious, so choose friends with similar values to yours.
Siestas can help you live longer
There is nothing wrong with a nap halfway through your day. Siestas are par for the course in many countries. A study showed that people who had a habit of napping have a 37% lower risk of dying due to heart disease than people who rarely napped during the day. Researchers suspect napping keeps stress hormone levels down, thereby managing heart health.
While we’re discussing siestas, note that quality night rests lower risks of mood disorders, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. It also reduces recovery time after illness.
Follow a healthy diet to live longer
Younger generations in Okinawan, Japan, do not live as long as older generations. The traditional diet of the region included plenty of yellow and green vegetables low in calories. However, they believe the old habit of never eating more than 80% of what is on their plates makes them live longer. A Mediterranean diet rich in veggies, fruit, fish, olive oil and whole grains is healthy and said to reduce risks of metabolic syndrome. It is a combination of obesity, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. These food types also limit the risks of diabetes and heart disease.
Get hitched and live longer
According to researchers, the economic and social support that come with marriage benefit longer lives. Even people who lost a partner or divorced typically live longer than those who never said, “I do.”
Be active and manage stress
There is no lack of evidence that being active is healthy. Regular activity and exercise lower the risks of stroke, heart disease, depression, diabetes and even some cancer types. Exercise can also help you manage stress. For example, meditation, yoga and deep breathing for a few minutes a day can do wonders.
Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking
A British study showed that those who quit smoking at age 30 lived 10 years longer, and stopping at 40, 50 and 60 could add 9, 6, and 3 years, respectively. Health authorities say one drink per day for women and two for men is safe. However, don’t start if you don’t drink — alcohol can do more damage than good.
Forgive and live longer
Holding on to anger hurts you more than it hurts them. Therefore, even if they don’t ask, forgive those who hurt you. Holding on to grudges harms your health. It causes anxiety, blood pressure problems, breathing problems and even heart disease. All the times you forgive accumulate over the years, each one lengthening your life just a bit.
Get spiritual
A study of people older than 65, over 12 years, showed longer life for those who attended religious services at least once per week. Researchers determined that it increased an essential immune system protein that lacked in the systems of their peers who were not spiritual.
