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Tips for Living Longer
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Have a Positive Attitude
Research suggests that having a positive attitude may actually help you live longer. One study of individuals aged 50 and older found that people who had a positive attitude about growing old actually lived more than seven years longer than those with a negative attitude. Optimistic people decrease their risk for an early death by 50 percent compared to pessimists, according to research conducted by the Mayo Clinic. Photo: Getty Images
Lose Weight
Losing weight is one new year resolution many of us make but break by February or March. If you want to live longer, it is one resolution you must keep. Obesity increases your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Photo: Getty Images
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity helps you manage your weight, improves your mood, prevents osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes, and controls high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Following a regular exercise program will boost your energy level and promote good cardiovascular health. You may find that exercising regularly improves sleep. Photo: Getty Images
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
A healthy diet is an essential component of a lifestyle for longevity. The USDA recommends that adults eat between two and three cups of vegetables and between one and one half to two cups of fruit daily. Choose from the wide variety of available produce and maybe, even try something new and exotic. Be sure to include green leafy vegetables, which are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Photo: Getty Images
Add More Fiber in Your Diet
Dietary fiber found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes not only prevents and relieves constipation but can reduce the risk for developing diverticular disease and type 2 diabetes. Adding dietary fiber in your diet may reduce your risk for developing colorectal cancer, lower LDL levels, control blood pressure and help with weight loss. Photo: Getty Images
Exercise Your Mind
Mental stimulation improves brain function as we age and protects against cognitive decline. Use it or lose it. The Franklin Institute says that even in old age, new neurons develop. Most age-related loss in memory and motor skills results from inactivity and lack of mental exercise and stimulation. Read, engage in stimulating conversation about current events with a partner, spouse or friend and try learning a new word or fact each day. Photo: Getty Images
Quit Smoking
According to the CDC, the adverse health effects caused by cigarette smoking accounts for every one in five deaths, every year in the United States. Smoking significantly increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, developing mouth, throat, esophageal lung, stomach, cervical, kidney and bladder cancers and dying from chronic obstructive lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. If you want to live a long and healthy life, stop smoking now. Photo: Getty Images
Schedule Routine Screening Examinations
One way to live longer is to schedule routine screening examinations such as a mammogram, Pap smear and colonoscopy. Early detection of cancer offers the best prognosis for successful treatment and remission. As we age, routine medical examinations become increasingly important. This is the opportunity for you to discuss any changes in your health with your physician. Your physician will check your blood pressure, order routine blood tests to monitor such levels as cholesterol and glucose and do an EKG to check your heart function. Photo: Getty Images
Get a Pet
The companionship of a pet seems to reduce stress levels. For some people, having a pet is rejuvenating and possibly improves the quality of their lives. A pet can provide companionship to an elderly person who lives alone and purpose to a couple who have retired from their careers. Walking the dog is a good way to get regular exercise. Photo: Getty Images
Laugh
There is some truth to the phrase “laughter is the best medicine”. Some days, you may feel that there is nothing to laugh about. This is just when you need a dose of comic relief. Laughing makes you feel better, can reduce stress and tension and lower your blood pressure. Sources: abc News: Study: Aging Attitude Impacts Longevity MSNBC.com: Want to Celebrate 100? MayoClinic.com: Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet MyPyramid.gov The Franklin Institute: The Human Brain Renew-Exercise CDC: Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking Article by Maryanne Gromisch Photo: Getty Images
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