5 Lifestyle Habits to Help You Live Longer

Did you know the average life expectancy in the United States is 78.87 years old?

It wasn’t always that way. Back in 1850 when most people lived in rural communities, and farming was a way of life, the average adult lived to be about 45 years old. A lot has changed in 170 years, and people live longer.

So what’s made the difference in longevity? It really comes down to just a few things...science, technology, and lifestyle. This includes innovations and advancements likes:

• Access to fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean meats
• Pasteurized milk and dairy products
• Purified drinking water
• Immunizations against deadly diseases
• Municipal water, sewer, and garbage services
• Refrigerators
• Evidence-based research on healthy lifestyle habits to prevent disease, and more

Want to live longer and enjoy a better quality of life in your senior years? Here are 5 lifestyle habits that can add years to your life, and life to your years.

1. Eat a healthy diet. Most people don’t grow and raise their own food anymore. But you can still eat fresh and healthy foods. Keep it simple, and check out the Senior-Friendly menu of meals all made with fresh ingredients, and ready to eat in minutes.

2. Get vaccinations. There’s the big ones like measles, mumps, and rubella. But you can also get vaccinated for the flu and shingles. And hopefully a vaccine for the coronavirus will be available soon.

3. Be active. This includes aerobic exercise like walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming. It also includes strength training or resistance exercise like weight lifting, or bodyweight exercises. Both help strengthen your heart, lungs, and muscles, strengthen bones, and improve balance. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day. And two days of strength training per week.

4. Get regular check ups. Your risk for many chronic conditions and age-related diseases increase as you get older. See your doctor and get regular check-ups to prevent and treat any health problems earlier than later.

5. Be social. Research shows that people who are social and have more healthy relationships live longer. Nurture family relationships. Spend time with friends. Volunteer or join a club to make new friends.