Doing enough exercise, eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and getting enough sleep… Sure, we know all these things can help boost your longevity. But did you know there are a few extra habits to help you live 10 years longer and ensure you get more time with your loved ones? Add these to your daily routine to ensure you live to a ripe old ageβ¦
How to Live 10 Years Longer
#1 Laugh more
If there’s anything the last few years of the pandemic have taught us, it’s the importance of trying to see the bright side of life. And now science says there’s an extra benefit to having a good belly laugh.
A Norwegian University study found that having a giggle can help add years to your life, thanks to its ability to lower stress, boost your immunity, decrease pain and also help burn calories. Now is the time to book in that comedy show or go see a funny flick with friends!
– so if you’re in need of a new hobby, try picking up a racquet!
#2 Take up tennis.
It’s game, set, and a decade of longer life for tennis lovers, with a Danish study finding that people who hit the court regularly are likely to live almost 10 years longer than their sedentary counterparts.
Tennis buffs were even found to live longer than those who took up jogging or cycling
#3 Eat legumes for life
Most people know how important diet is to staying healthy, but a new study by PLOS Medicine has found certain food groups can help add years to your life.
Norwegian researchers examined what happened when a traditional Western diet of red meat and processed foods was replaced with one focusing on fruit, veg, legumes, whole grains and nuts.
The study found women who adopted this diet in their 20s could expect to add 10 years to their life, while women changing their eating habits in their 60s could expect an extra eight years. According to researchers, legumes such as beans, peas, and lentils, along with whole grains and nuts, saw the most gains in lifespan.
Beans really are the magical fruit, with a new study claiming that adding them to your diet can significantly improve lifespan.
#4 Get Sunlight In the Morning
While it’s tempting to wake up, down a coffee, and jump straight into work or start tackling your to-do list for the day. Dr. Kien Vuu is a concierge performance and longevity physician specializing in human optimization and regenerative medicine, a media expert, and a well-known author.
He recommends getting 20 to 30 minutes of sunlight in the morning to assist your natural body clock and improve your mood.
“I let the natural sunlight into my eyes and skin because that helps reset the circadian clock,” he explains. Not only is this a great way to improve your overall health and add years to your life, going for a quick walk to soak up some rays will contribute to your daily exercise at the same time. Win-win!” – Dr. Kien Vuu
#5 See your GP and live longer.
Busy schedules mean our health can often take a back seat, especially when it comes to getting routine checks. However, experts say that making sure you see your GP regularly is an easy way to keep your health ticking along.
Bonus points if you find a doctor you like and continue to see them over the years, as you will be able to build a relationship with them.
References
- Estimating impact of food choices on life expectancy: A modeling study. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1003889
- Scientific American. Laugh lots, live longer: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/laugh-lots-live-longer/
Article Credits
Main Photo by lauren lulu taylor on Unsplash
This article was written by Allison Yee.
