You’ve likely heard about a 95-year-old who swears by a daily ocean swim or a 116-year-old who credits her long life to eggs and brandy. While these stories can be intriguing, there are proven, science-backed habits that can actually help you increase your lifespan. Sure, avoiding smoking and keeping up with regular health checkups is common knowledge, but there are other practical habits and tools that might make a bigger difference than you realize. Let’s dive into some simple but effective changes you can make to live a longer, healthier life.
1. Move More
You don’t need to run marathons or hit the gym every day to live longer. Instead, focus on increasing your daily movement, also known as Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT). This could mean walking more, standing up regularly, or simply avoiding long periods of sitting. Fitness trackers can be a helpful tool, as they guide you to stay active and even remind you when you’ve stayed sedentary for too long.
2. Add More Color to Your Meals
Healthy eating isn’t about depriving yourself or counting every calorie. Instead, focus on making your meals vibrant by including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. A colorful diet ensures you’re getting a wide range of nutrients your body needs. If you’re unsure how to start, try looking for recipes that make it easy to pack your meals with nutrients, even when you’re busy or on the go.
3. Prioritize Pleasure
Research shows that frequent orgasms could reduce mortality rates in men by up to 50 percent. While this may also reflect healthier emotional connections, orgasms help lower stress and release feel-good hormones that benefit both your body and mind. With age, arousal may take a little more time, but the right tools—such as discreet intimacy aids—can help you enjoy these benefits more easily.
4. Keep Your Brain Engaged
Maintaining mental stimulation is just as important as staying physically active when it comes to living longer. Cognitive exercises can help delay mental decline, reduce the risk of depression, and even prevent certain physical health issues. Try activities like reading, solving puzzles, or watching thought-provoking documentaries. For an exciting challenge, consider learning a new language through free mobile apps, combining fun with major brain health benefits.
Living Longer, Happier
Living a longer life isn’t just about avoiding bad habits like smoking or excessive weight gain. It’s about incorporating enjoyable, sustainable practices into your daily routine that support your health and happiness over time. Start small, stay consistent, and discover how these changes not only improve your lifespan but also your quality of life.
