One: Exercise Regularly
A number of studies have documented the fact that engaging in sound exercise on a regular basis can have a significant impact on how long a person lives.
One theory hypothesizes that you extend your life two seconds for every second that you exercise.
Two: Reduce The Total Number Of Calories You Ingest
In theory, digesting food wears down the body’s machinery and creates by-products (e.g. free radicals) that can harm the body. Accordingly, eating less food results in less damage to your body.
Documentation for such a theory comes from the considerable research involving lad animals that were fed 30% less than normal, they lived 30% longer.
Three: Stop Smoking
Evidence suggests that quitting smoking for five years can add two years to the average life span. Enough said.
Four: Keep Your Blood Pressure Down
Research has shown that taking action to keep your blood pressure level below the recommended reading of 120/80 mmHg can lengthen your life by three years.
Five: Keep Your Blood Cholesterol Levels At An Appropriate Level
If you can raise the level of ‘good’ cholesterol (i.e. HDL) in your blood above 55, you can add a year to your life.
By the same token. If you can reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol (i.e. LDL) in your blood to below 160, you can add another year to your life.
Six: Don’t Be A Loner
Social interactions with others purportedly rouse the body’s immune system. In such a case, individuals with social ties tend to get sick less often and get well quicker.
Allegedly, people who socially interact with others at least three times a month can lengthen their life by two years.
Seven: Eat Nutritionally Sound Meals
In addition to how much you eat, what you eat will have an impact on how long you live.
For example, eating five servings of fruit and vegetables a day can add a year to your life.
In a similar vein, keeping the number of non-natural calories you consume to less than 10% of your total calories can boost your life span by up to two years.
Eight: Train Your Brain
The brain, like other muscles of your body, atrophies (shrink) if unused. If exercised regularly (e.g. reading, solving puzzles), your chances of maintaining an enhanced zest for life will be greatly improved, as well as lowering your chances of suffering from dementia.
Nine: Prevent Getting Diabetes
By the time you reach the age of 65, your odds of developing adult onset diabetes are almost 1 in 10. If you take steps to avoid diabetes (i.e. exercise, eat a nutrient dense diet, reduce your sugar intake) you can add a year to your life.
Ten: Have A Passion
Research suggests that individuals who live the longest have strong interests and goals in achieving what they are passionate about.
Find something you love doing and always make time to take part in it. Otherwise what is life worth living for?
Chris, myHealthCoach