They Make Time With Friends
They Exercise Their Brains
Strong brains are essential to good physical health, but you can't take your brain to a gym and work it out. You can, however, exercise it with activities like crossword puzzles, sudoku, taking a class and learning a new language. Playing chess is also good, as is learning how to use new technology. Whatever gets the brain struggling and thinking a little will make it stronger.
They're Positive
A positive attitude might get you into the later years more than anything else you can do. A study that looked at traits of genetically homogenous people between 95 and 107 years old found that a positive attitude and sense of humor set them apart from the control group.
They Manage Stress
The ability to manage stress reduces wear and tear on the body, thereby increasing the chances of a longer life. This means being able to stay calm, forgoing unnecessary arguments and trying to create a life that is as low-stress as possible. Life without chronic stress means a better protected immune system, lower rates of heart disease and diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.
They Eat Well
Studies in gut health found compelling evidence that a healthy gut is key in a long life and a healthy one. This means eating fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking lots of water and eating foods rich in probiotics, like yogurt.
They've Found Their Healthy Weight
While obesity has its health risks, not every obese person is unwell. There's a right weight for everyone's optimal health. This is true for those who live longer. For those who have lived long lives, a healthy-for-them weight appears to have played a role.
They're Careful About Pills
Sometimes less is more. For people in their 90s and beyond, this is especially true. While health checkups and medicine recommendations should be taken seriously, being choosy about which pills you take, how much time you spend at the doctor and your attitude toward healthcare may actually make a big difference.
