Based on the research of Dan Buettner and his team from National Geographic, some lifestyle factors have been found to significantly increase life expectancy. below are five lifestyle factors that the study found have a direct impact on longevity.
1. Sleep
Americans sleep an average of 6.45 hours per night. If you are one of the people who don’t get enough sleep, it is probably not good news (especially if you’re over 40), said Buettner. Sleep research shows that the longer we’re awake, the more tired we become. One study showed that people who slept for 9 to 6 hours were sleepy for about 8 hours after waking.
2. Eating properly
The more vegetables we eat, the longer we live. According to Buettner’s research, eating a diet rich in vegetables reduces diseases and increases life expectancy. This is especially true for people who are female and suffering from breast cancer.
3. Exercise
Regular physical activity and exercise is an important factor for long life. Especially among men, who are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and other types of chronic conditions.
4. Laughter
Humor and laughter play an important role in our health and long life. If you don’t believe me, check out the longevity of stand up comics. These guys have one of the longest average life spans of any profession.
5. Health
There has never been a better time to enjoy long life. According to Buettner, our health is better than ever. We have access to more and better healthcare, leading to an overall better quality of life.
6. Relationships
People who are in a fulfilling marriage, in which they communicate well with their spouse and feel loved will live longer than those who don’t. The same is true for people who are a part of larger social network. As we get older, we often feel more isolated and lonely. But this kind of isolation is not good for our health and longevity.