BY HELCIO FERREIRA
January 30, 2022

‘Smiling couple in kitchen at home’ © Wavebreak Media via shutterstock

Many people believe that their life expectancy is predetermined by their genetic makeup. However, studies show that everyone can do a lot to live a long life. With these tips, you will not only extend your life expectancy, but you will also stay fit and be more agile in old age.

Extend your life with these secrets

By implementing the following tips, you will increase your chances of living a long life, at least more than your previous lifestyle would have allowed. It is best to hang these tips on the wall both at home and in the office. That way, you will not forget anything and you will remember it every day.

1. Watch What you Eat

Currently, the connection between calorie intake and longevity is attracting a lot of interest. Studies suggest that reducing normal caloric intake by 10-50% can increase life expectancy. Additionally, studies on tribes such as the Japanese islanders of Okinawa, who are known for their old age, confirmed a causal relationship between reduced calorie intake, lower chance of disease, and thus longer life. Caloric restriction as modest as 20% can help reduce obesity and abdominal fat, both of which have been linked to shorter lifespans.

2. The Power of Nuts

Nuts are real nutrient bombs. They are rich in protein, fiber, antioxidants, and high-quality unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid). Additionally, nuts are an excellent source of various vitamins and minerals such as copper, magnesium, potassium, iron, folic acid, niacin (vitamin B3), as well as vitamin B6 and vitamin E.

3. Turmeric an Ancient Anti-aging Food

Of course, turmeric should not be missing for long life. When it comes to anti-aging superfoods, turmeric is one of the best weapons. That’s because turmeric contains a bioactive compound called curcumin. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin can improve or maintain brain, heart, and lung function longer, as well as protect against cancer and age-related diseases, automatically leading to a longer life. For some time now, turmeric has been available globally, in the form of capsules, powder, tea, and combined with other superfoods in supplements.

4. Prioritize the Consumption of Vegetables

Eating plenty of plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans can reduce disease risk and promote longevity. Many studies link a plant-rich diet like the Mediterranean diet with a lower risk of premature death, as well as a lower risk of cancer, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, depression, and brain damage. These effects are attributed to the nutrients and antioxidants found in plant foods, including polyphenols, carotenoids, folic acid, and vitamin C.

5. Exercise is Essential

Surely you know that physical activity can keep you healthy, especially your cardiovascular system. What might surprise you is that as little as 15 minutes of exercise per day can give your health benefits that could add three years to your life.

Studies say there is a 22% lower risk of premature death in people over 60 who exercise, even though they did less than the recommended 150 minutes a week. Those who met the 150-minute recommendation exactly were 28% less likely to die prematurely.

Therefore, exercise as much as possible and never limit yourself to just 15 minutes a day, although even a little exercise can be beneficial. The more you move, the more benefits you will have. There are endless sporting opportunities for all ages. Find something near you that you enjoy.

6. Stay Away from cigarette

Smoking is strongly associated with disease and premature death. In general, people who smoke can lose up to 10 years of their life and are three times more likely to die prematurely than people who have never smoked a cigarette.

7. Excessive Alcohol Consumption Subtracts Years from your Life

Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with liver, heart, and pancreas disease and overall increased risk of premature death. Moderate consumption, on the other hand, is often associated with better health and longer life. Wine in particular is considered beneficial due to its high content of antioxidants such as polyphenols (resveratrol).

8. Drink More Tea

Green tea has numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of chronic disease. For example, the polyphenols and catechins in green tea may reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, tea drinkers benefit from a 20-30% lower risk of premature death compared to non-drinkers.

 9. Encourage Yourself to Be Happier

Feeling happy can significantly increase your life expectancy. Extensive research on subjective well-being and life expectancy concludes that a positive and affirming attitude towards life, as well as internal happiness and satisfaction, can give you between 4 and 10 years more than grumpy people can expect. Pessimistic people are 42% more likely to die prematurely than the most optimistic people. Optimists are also more likely to live to age 85 or older than pessimists.

10. Limit Stress in Your Life

Anxiety and stress can significantly reduce life expectancy. Studies have shown that women who experience stress or anxiety are up to twice as likely to die from heart disease, stroke, or lung cancer. Similarly, the risk of premature death is up to 3 times higher in anxious or stressed men than in relaxed men.

Build a Long and Healthy Life

Last but not least, it is up to you to prolong your life and be able to enjoy it healthily and actively. In addition, good interpersonal relationships, a good sleep routine, added to all of the above, can significantly increase life expectancy. Of course, even with a healthy lifestyle, there are no guarantees of a long life. Because there are many factors involved in health and old age. But implementing these tips every day, can significantly increase your chances of aging and staying healthy for a long time.