5 Science-Backed Tips to Slow Down Aging (Because Who Doesn’t Want to Live Longer?!)

Despite how hard we wish for it, there isn’t a magic formula to stop us from aging. However, when it comes to how to live longer and how to live a long life in general, there are things you can do to increase longevity.

According to a recent study published in The British Medical Journal, there are numerous low-risk lifestyle factors that contribute to longevity.

Researchers looked at people who lived without chronic health conditions – specifically, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer – and what habits they had in common. Based on their findings, they discovered five tips to live a longer, healthier life.
 
 

Here’s How to Live a Long Life and Increase Longevity:

Follow these five tips to live a long, healthy life. Because who doesn’t want to know how to live longer?!
 

1. Make Smart Choices

Make smart choices when it comes to not smoking, limiting your alcohol consumption, and eating healthy.

When it comes to bad habits, smoking is at the top of the list. Did you know smoking kills more Americans each year than car accidents, drugs, and guns put together? In fact, 33% of cancer-related deaths are caused by smoking cigarettes.

If you’re a smoker and you’re trying to break this harmful habit, check out these 3 Unconventional Steps and 5 Tips to Quit Smoking Holistically
 

We’re well aware that drinking too much can lead to a long list of health issues. As it turns out, many of these issues play a part in healthspan and life expectancy. Excessive alcohol intake caused close to 88,000 deaths each year from 2006 to 2010, decreasing the lifespan of those who died by approximately 30 years.

Take a moment to think about how much you drink each week. You may be surprised to learn where you fall on the spectrum of healthy to unhealthy alcohol intake.

Maintaining a healthy weight ties directly into making good food decisions. To increase your chances of success, health experts recommend keeping healthy options on hand. These include fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Aim to limit your sugar intake for both food and drinks.

Get Healthy and Ditch the Sugar! 10 Tips to Do a Sugar Cleanse
 

2. Spend Time Around Animals

Nothing puts a smile on our faces quite like our furry friends do. It doesn’t matter how stressed you are when you leave the office, being greeted by your pet after a long day at work immediately lifts your spirit and improves your mood.

Science confirms the many benefits of having pets or simply being around animals. In fact, the simple act of petting an animal stimulates a relaxation response by decreasing levels of cortisol and lowering blood pressure.

To alleviate stress and anxiety, therapy dogs are often used in hospitals and nursing homes. Dr. Ann Berger, a physician and researcher at NIH, explains that animals teach us how to be in the present moment.

“If someone is struggling with something, they know how to sit there and be loving,” says Berger. “Their attention is focused on the person all the time.”

You cannot discover inner peace without mindfulness, and animals can show us the way. “The foundations of mindfulness include attention, intention, compassion, and awareness,” Berger explains. “All of those things are things that animals bring to the table. People kind of have to learn it. Animals do this innately.”

Need more info on how to live a long life? and It Starts With These 6 Daily Habits
 

3. Exercise Consistently and Maintain a Healthy Weight

When it comes to how to live longer, one of the most effective ways to increase longevity is to exercise on a regular basis. And here’s the even better news: It’s never too late to start.

According to one study, exercise will increase longevity “regardless of past activity levels.”

In research published in the International Journal of Stroke, people who became physically fit between the ages of 40 to 59 cut their risk of a potentially fatal stroke by 50% whereas those who went from fit to unfit later in life doubled their risk.

Obesity increases your risk for developing chronic illness and disease. If you’re unsure whether you’re at a healthy weight, check your body mass index (BMI). A healthy BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9; overweight is between 25 and 29.9 and obese is past 30.

Ladies, having a hard time losing weight? Here are 3 Surprising Reasons Why You May Be Having A Hard Time Losing Weight
 

4. Travel

Who doesn’t love going on vacation? While many of us are aware that traveling is good for the mind, body, and soul, we don’t know the science behind it.

As it turns out, there are quite a few health benefits. According to one study, a four-day “long weekend” vacation improved well-being, recovery, strain, and perceived stress for up to 45 days later!

Traveling can even decrease your risk of heart disease and boost cognitive health. Research shows people who travel once per year were less likely to have a heart attack or develop heart disease.

“Challenging new experiences of any kind can boost cognitive health, by helping the brain develop parts of nerve cells called dendrites, which are like branches of a tree,” psychologist Paul D. Nussbaum explains.

The brain is a muscle that needs to be strengthened, and traveling can give it the workout it needs to stay healthy and strong.
 

5. Have More Sex

Great news! Science shows that getting frisky between the sheets also leads to a longer and healthier life.

Not only do the hormones released during sex strengthen your immune system, they can even help decrease pain, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

These sex hormones (like oxytocin) also promote emotional bonding, which is crucial for long-term well-being. How’s that for how to live longer?
 
 

How to Live Longer and Increase Longevity: The Takeaway

When it comes to how to live a long life, there are many factors at play – most of which are within your power to change. And it doesn’t matter how old you are or the decisions you’ve made that have brought you to this point.

The choices you make today can significantly alter the course of your life, so keep looking forward and stay committed to living a healthier lifestyle – not only to increase longevity, but also to live a happier and healthier life overall!

All included information is not intended to treat or diagnose. The views expressed are those of the author and should be attributed solely to the author. For medical questions, please consult your healthcare provider.