Don't Smoke
Eat Whole Grains
Diet is one of the key lifestyle elements that influences health and longevity. If you haven't yet cut back on sugar and refined flour, you're not optimizing yourself for a long life. Whole grains not only fill you up and keep you satiated longer than white flours and processed carbohydrates, they also have essential vitamins and nutrients that keep you young and vital.
Get in Shape
Getting in shape, exercising regularly, staying strong, moving around (even for two minutes at a time)—it all adds up to extra years of life. You don't have to do anything fancy. It doesn't have to cost anything. But getting in shape, and working to stay that way, adds up on the other end of life.
Work Your Brain
Mental decline is common as we age, and that can lead to injury, depression and other conditions that shave years off our lives. Keeping your brain fit and active can give you longer years of a healthy life. So, work those crosswords, take that language class, learn new skills. Never stop stimulating your brain.
Socialize
Dozens of studies have found that people who often socialize and have meaningful friendships live longer. In fact, friendships and human connection were as related to longer life as good sleep, healthy hearts and a diet filled with vegetables.
Get Health Screenings
Routine health screenings can catch problems before they otherwise show symptoms. Early detection—and treatment—saves and prolongs lives. Doctors know what tests to run at which age, what funny bumps and spots need further examination, and what to look out for. Avoiding the doc doesn't make potential problems go away.
Floss and Go to the Dentist
The state of your mouth can say something about the state of your overall health. Poor oral hygiene can contribute to problems, such as heart disease. Brushing and flossing daily, and seeing the dentist regularly are not only checks on your overall health but they also contribute to a longer life.
