A longer life: What the research advises

0 0
Spread the love
Read Time:2 Minute, 8 Second

Researchers show that habits such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, maintaining friendships, and even having financial security can significantly impact lifespan.

Eat right – and eat less
The link between diet and health is no secret. Eating unhealthy fats, added sugars, and excess salt while lacking fiber increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and obesity—all factors that shorten life expectancy.
A Norwegian study from 2023 found that a healthy diet can extend life by up to ten years. In addition to a healthy diet, a reduced calorie intake can also slow down ageing. This is linked to hormesis—an effect in which mild stress, such as occasional hunger pangs, strengthens the body.

Some researchers recommend intermittent fasting— a few days a month—to promote cell resilience and potentially prolong life.

Sleeping for a long life
Getting enough sleep is one of the easiest ways to improve longevity.

Quality sleep allows the body to repair cells, tissues, and muscles and regulate telomere length. This affects ageing and the risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Although not directly fatal, such conditions can lead to complications that shorten lifespan.

Recommended sleep duration:
Children: 8-12 hours per night

Adults: 7-9 hours

Stay active
Walking just 7,000-8,000 steps daily can significantly reduce weight, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk. Regular walking also strengthens bones and helps prevent osteoporosis in old age.

More intense physical activity offers additional benefits as it stimulates the production of mitochondria—the “power plants” of cells. While mitochondria naturally decline with age, exercise promotes their renewal and keeps cells healthy and energized.

The power of friendship
People thrive on social connections; strong friendships can add meaning and years to life. Studies show that loneliness can be just as harmful as smoking or obesity.

Social interactions help to reduce stress, lower the risk of stroke, and delay cognitive decline by keeping the mind active. Friends provide emotional and practical support and often detect health problems early.

Wealth and longevity
Money may not buy happiness, but it does improve access to healthcare, especially in countries with privatized systems. Wealthier people often lead healthier lifestyles, eat better, and experience less stress—all contributing to a longer life.

A US study found that men in the top 1% of the income scale live 14.6 years longer, while women live 10.1 years longer than people in the bottom 1%.

Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %

This post has already been read 126 times!

Related posts