Nine Ways To Live A Longer And Healthier Life
We all dream of growing old surrounded by our loved ones, but what is the secret to a long and healthy life? While many people believe that our lifespan is dictated by our genes, recent research has shown that, in fact, our lifestyle choices play a far more important role.
That means that making small steps today can yield long-lasting results in your life and help you live for longer and healthier. So, what should you be doing to transform your health? Here are some top tips to start following:
#1 Watch what you eat
Obesity is a major problem across the globe, with estimates suggesting that 41.9% of adults in the United States are classed obese. This plays a major role in an individual’s health and can greatly reduce lifespan.
That is why one of the most important steps to take to live a long and healthy life is to be more careful with the volume of food that you are eating. This should not mean that you need to restrict your calorie intake drastically, as that can have a negative effect, but instead, be more cautious with the size of your meals and limit the unhealthy snacks.
#2 Incorporate a nutrient-rich diet
Of course, it is not just about the volume of food that you are eating. You should also make sure that you are following a diet that is rich in nutrients. A balanced diet that includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, vitamins, and minerals will support your overall well-being and help to provide your body with the right kind of fuel that it needs.
Adopting a Mediterranean diet, one that includes lots of heart-healthy fats, seafood, and nuts, has been shown to increase life expectancy and reduce the risk of developing a range of serious health issues.
#3 Get active
Another very important step in helping you to live a long and healthy life is to make sure that you are staying physically active. Just 15 minutes of exercise a day can transform your health and add three additional years to your life.
When people hear the term physical activity, they imagine it must mean intense workouts or long-distance running. However, this is not the case and low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and yoga can help you stay fit.
Exercise is important for not only helping you to manage your weight more effectively but it also improves cardiovascular health, strengthens your bones, and boosts your mental well-being.
#4 Build strong social connections
The key to a long and healthy life does not just lie in the food that we consume or our level of physical activity. Humans are sociable animals, and cultivating strong social networks with our friends and family can play a very important role in our lifespan.
Research has found that those individuals who work to maintain their social networks are able to live up to 50% longer, while it also helps to decrease the risk of developing a range of chronic diseases.
Being around other people will give you the emotional support you need to overcome those unexpected challenges in life and reduce stress.
#5 Get a good night’s sleep
When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep? While late nights or early starts are inevitable, aiming to get the recommended 7-9 hours of restful sleep a night can transform your health and help you to live longer.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it can be tough to ensure that you are getting the right amount of sleep every night. That is why you should work to establish a clear bedtime routine that involves going to bed at the same time every night, limiting your use of electrical devices beforehand, and creating a comfortable environment conducive to sleep.
#6 Reduce your alcohol intake
Perhaps contrary to popular belief, moderate alcohol intake can help to reduce the risk of developing certain diseases, in particular wine, which is packed with polyphenol antioxidants. However, consuming too much can have a very detrimental impact on your health and lifespan.
Make sure that you are following the recommended guidelines for adults, with women aiming for less than two units a day and men less than three.
#7 Stop smoking and Vaping
While moderate alcohol consumption can have some health benefits, smoking has none and is incredibly harmful to your health. Regularly smoking can lead to heart disease, cancer, and respiratory disorders, so quitting your cigarettes is an important step toward living a long and healthy life.
#8 Manage your stress
Stress is a natural part of life, but chronic stress can have a significant impact on your physical and mental health. Individuals living with long-term stress have up to a three times higher chance of premature death compared to those who are more relaxed.
Taking time to learn stress management techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness, can not only leave you feeling happier and calmer, but it can also keep you living longer.
#9 Have regular health checkups
Of course, life is full of surprises, and even if you live the healthiest life possible, things can still happen. That is why it is vital that you are undergoing regular health checkups to detect any potential health concerns before they become major issues.
A DEXA Scan is a very effective test that can help you to create a baseline of your health, ensuring you can accurately track and measure your health over time.
Want to transform your health?
If you are looking to improve your health and take steps toward a long and healthy life, then DEXA Scan is here to help you. We will help you find a DEXA partner near you today, allowing you to undergo this painless scan and get a clear idea of your bone health and body composition.
With this information, you can accurately track your health over time, identifying potential risks before they become major concerns. Want to learn more? Locate your scan today!