The Five Keys to Living a Long Life

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Aiming to enjoy life well into your 90’s? According to an article in TIME magazine, science has identified five major habits we should all implement to increase longevity.
Eat Healthily
TIME reports eating a healthy diet, especially a Mediterranean diet can bring a host of health benefits including longevity. Try to incorporate lots of whole grains, fiber, fresh fruits and veggies, fish and healthy fats into your daily diet, while limiting processed foods, snacks, sugary drinks, and fried foods.
Exercise on a Regular Basis
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It’s never too late to start incorporating exercise into your weekly routine. According to TIME, a recent study found longevity associated with both life-long and later-in-life exercise. Working out is not only beneficial for physical health, but it can also have a positive effect on our mental health. TIME reports “federal physical activity guidelines recommend aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week, plus twice-weekly muscle-strengthening sessions, to reap health and longevity benefits.”
Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
According to TIME, it’s important to maintain healthy body weight, ideally a body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9. Obesity is linked to diseases such as cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease which can all decrease longevity.
Don’t Smoke
We now know the health implications of smoking including heart attack and stroke, along with several cancers. If you smoke speak with your doctor about beginning the process of quitting cigarettes.
Drink in Moderation
TIME reports a study last year concluded there is no safe amount of drinking because the risks – traffic accidents, addiction, cancer, etc – outweigh any potential benefits. While abstaining completely is recommended by the study, the federal dietary guidelines describe moderate drinking as no more than one drink per day for a woman and two for a man.

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