Unlocking The Secrets To Longevity: Lifestyle Choices That Make A Difference
Small lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and reducing stress, can add up to improve longevity and add years to a person's life.
How To Live Longer
In the land where dreams are woven into the fabric of reality, a growing number of Americans are defying the boundaries of time, gracefully stepping into the realm of the centenarians. Longevity has been on the rise, with people now living longer than ever before. In the past century, life expectancy in the United States has increased significantly, from 47 years at the beginning of the 20th century to 79 years today. Many scientist believe people living over 125 years of age could become common. There is a growing number of individuals who are living past the age of 100 with more than 90,000 living in the US.
Healthy habits for a longer life
Living longer is a common goal shared by many people. Although genetics play a small role in aging, certain lifestyle choices can promote longevity. A nutritious diet, the right amount of exercise, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and reducing stress can all help people grow old.
Life expectancy
The average life expectancy in the US is 76.1 years, with various diseases, accidents, and drug overdoses all playing a role. However, this statistic doesn’t have to be an end goal, with many people capable of living well beyond the average expectancy. The right lifestyle choices can add years to an individual’s life, even if unhealthy habits were previously the norm.
Healthy eating matters
The food a person chooses to eat can make a big difference in terms of years lived. Aim for a healthy mixture of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and low-fat dairy, while avoiding sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. With the right dietary choices, a person can maintain an ideal healthy body mass index (BMI), which helps prevent diseases and health complications associated with obesity. People should also make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Staying active
By now, most people know the many benefits of exercise. Consistently working out can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, the endorphins released during a workout can also help improve mood. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and 2 days of strength training each week. Dance, kickboxing, tennis, swimming, running, and yoga are all great ways to improve overall health and extend life expectancy.
Avoid smoking, limit drinking
Vices like smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol can quickly shave years off a person’s life expectancy. For every cigarette smoked, an individual’s life is reduced by about 11 minutes. Although former smokers will still have residual adverse effects on aging, quitting smoking at any point in life can still positively affect general health. As for alcohol, moderation is key. Avoid binge drinking and stick with the occasional glass of red wine when indulging.
Lower stress levels
In today’s busy world, finding a person who isn’t stressed out is like finding a needle in a haystack. Stress affects every individual at some point in life, but learning how to manage such stress can have profound implications. Some people benefit from therapy, while others need medication if the stress has led to a more serious mental health condition like anxiety. Other simple lifestyle changes to manage stress include mindfulness, yoga, and journaling.
Growing older in good health
With a combination of simple health lifestyle changes, growing older in good health is possible. People looking to unlock the secrets to longevity should focus on a balanced and nutritious diet, drinking plenty of water, and limiting alcohol. Aim to work out a few days each week, avoid smoking, and lower stress. Change daily health habits today to improve life expectancy.