Factors That Affect Longevity

Genetics

• Not surprisingly, genetics plays a role in determining longevity. There are longevity genes in the human genome that predict, to an extent, the number of years a person will live; however, genetics is clearly not the only factor. The expression of our genes is influenced by our lifestyle and our environment.

Exercise

• Exercise not just for short-term weight loss and health benefits but to add years onto your lifespan. Exercise has long-term benefits and helps increase longevity. Exercise helps people maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI), reducing the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and other diseases that accelerate mortality. Going to the gym also increases cardiovascular functioning, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. It reduces stress, causing a decrease in stress-induced hormone that degrade artery walls and can contribute to mental health disorders such as depression. Regular exercise also prevents loss of muscle mass while increasing bone mass. It helps you sleep better at night and improves digestive health.

Nutrition

• Eating healthy foods contributes to an increase in longevity. Eating a diet low in fat and cholesterol decreases your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer. Eat low-fat dairy to maintain calcium levels and to contribute to bone strength. Health and governmental organizations suggest eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day to improve digestive health and to reduce the risk of cancer. The amount of food you consume is also important. Avoid overeating to maintain a healthy body weight and to reduce the risk of obesity and heart disease.

Not Smoking

• Not smoking has both immediate and long-term benefits. Quitting smoking (or not starting) decreases your risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and respiratory diseases.

Social Support

• Having a strong social network of family or friends adds years to your life. Positive relationships help reduce stress and prevent mental disorders such as depression. They also increase cognitive functioning and can bring about other healthy decisions, such as eating right or exercising. Having a few strong relationships has more positive health benefits than having many weak friendships or acquaintances. Join a club or call a friend to reap the benefits of good social support.

Mental Activity

• Doing activities that make you think improves cognitive functioning, increasing longevity. Brain cells grow throughout your lifetime, so exercising the mind can increase the functioning of these cells. Learn a new skill, study a language, play a card game or read the newspaper to bolster your mental activity and prolong your life.

Drinking

• Put down the glass to increase your longevity. Reducing your alcohol consumption can decrease your risk of liver disease and some cancers. Substitute alcoholic beverages with lots of water, which can increase organ functioning and digestive health.