Can a Healthy Lifestyle Add Years?

A relatively recent study shows that, yes, you can live longer by pursuing a healthy lifestyle. In fact, it identifies four specific areas that measurably impact longevity. They found that these factors make a measurable difference past a certain age and matter most to the elderly.

Eat Healthy

Eating right helps you live longer. This means eating fresh fruits and vegetables, moderate amounts of healthy fats, whole grains and lean meats or vegetable protein sources. Your diet should be one of your first lines of defense against the kinds of conditions to which seniors are susceptible. If you do not know enough about nutrition, start reading up on best practices and learn to implement them. It will pay dividends down the line.

Stay Active

Whether you go to the gym or walk to work, staying active helps keep you fit and helps protect against a variety of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease. If you want to live longer, stay active or, if you haven’t been active, get active. Every little bit counts. If you are seriously out of shape, start by doing more walking. Park farther away and take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Limit Alcohol

You do not have to be a tea-totaler, but drinking too much really takes its toll on the body. Modest amounts of alcohol are okay. Some studies even show that moderate drinking is beneficial. But heavy drinking needs to be avoided. If you currently tend to drink heavily, it is time to start cutting back.

Do Not Smoke

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health. It increases the risk of heart disease, cancer and serious respiratory problems. If you currently smoke, it is time to make a positive change. Obviously, it is better to have never smoked at all, but quitting can allow your body to heal more than you might think.

Longevity is not just a case of random chance. It is something you can positively influence by eating right, staying active, limiting your consumption of alcohol and not smoking.