There have been some interesting studies lately on how to increase your life span. Some of the studies seem counterintuitive, some seem rather harsh and some are common sense. Some of the studies are on mice and have not progressed to human studies yet.
Caloric restriction, a forever diet, has shown to stave off age related diseases in mice and monkeys. The conclusion being that if the age related diseases are not present the person could live longer. I of course ask, “Are they happy being on a permanent diet?” http://www.longevitymeme.org/topics/calorie_restriction.cfm
Another study surprisingly finds people who only get 5 to 6.5 hours of sleep a night live longer. Those who get less and 5 and more than 6.5 had a mortality rate increase of 2-4 times as those in the optimum sleep level. I of course ask “Who wants to live longer if you are tired all the time?” http://www.journalsleep.org/ViewAbstract.aspx?pid=27780
Obviously no smoking, wear your seat belt, bike helmet and do everything in moderation is common sense. Get regular health and dental check-ups is helpful. Have a social group of friends and or family for optimum mental health.
Would you like to live to be 100? What if you cannot say, “If I have good health and all my mental abilities”? Would you go for triple digits? If I grew up in a time when the life span was normal to be 100 would I do things differently? Would I pace my knees exposure to skiing only after 35 instead of 15? Would I never wear high heels to save my legs from shortened tendons? It is interesting questions to ponder. I can’t have a redo so I am happy with life as long as it goes but what about you?