8 Surprising Tips for Living a Longer Life

Some common advice for living a longer life is sound yet obvious: eat fruits and veggies, stay active, get enough sleep, prioritize your mental health, etc. Other bits of wisdom, such as the “Werewolf Diet,” which asks you to fast during certain phases of the moon to cleanse your body, is neither. But what if we told you there are other things to focus on that aren’t as obvious as the former or as ridiculous as the latter? What about playing cards, learning ballroom dancing, eating chili peppers, and reading novels? These doctor-approved secrets to longevity are sure to surprise you.

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Make New Friends

Medical researchers say “the more, the merrier” regarding friendships, as social connections benefit our mental and physical health. Studies show having solid relationships can significantly increase longevity, regardless of age, gender, and health status. “Our relationships form a lattice of support that constitutes the largest single factor in the overall well-being of most people,” says Stanford research scholar Steven Crane.

Play More Games

You’re never too old to play! Brain teasers, crosswords, trivia games, and puzzles stimulate cognitive function, improving attention, memory, response time, and logical reasoning. These activities are especially beneficial for older adults, as maintaining cognitive function is a predictor of health and longevity. Playing games with friends and loved ones has the added benefit of providing a social connection that, as we know, can improve your overall health.

Spice Things Up

According to research by the American Heart Association, eating chili peppers is associated with lower instances of cancer and cardiovascular disease. One reason may be that chili peppers have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties thanks to capsaicin, the chemical that makes them spicy. 

Read More Books

A study published by Yale University revealed that bookworms live two years longer than people who don’t read. Researchers separated participants over 50 into three groups: non-readers, those who read three-and-half hours a week or less, and those who read three-and-half hours or more each week. After tracking them for 12 years, they found that the group who read more than three-and-half hours weekly lived 23 months longer than those who didn’t read at all, regardless of gender, wealth, education, or health.

Spend Time With Your Pets

A study by the American Heart Association revealed that owning a pet reduces mortality rates by 24% on average due to a lengthy list of health benefits, including lower blood pressure and improved mental health. This applies to any kind of pet—cats, dogs, guinea pigs, lizards, you name it. Additionally, tending to animals outdoors, such as walking a dog or riding a horse, has the added health benefit of exercise.

Hit the Dance Floor

You don’t need to be a pro on Dancing with the Stars to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of dancing. Dancing lowers cortisol levels and releases endorphins, which make us naturally happy and improves muscular strength, balance, cardiovascular endurance, and cognitive ability. Research also shows that the combination of physical and social activity required in dancing can decrease the risk of dementia. Tango has even been prescribed as a treatment for Parkinson’s patients as a way to reduce symptoms. 

Forgive and Forget

“There is an enormous physical burden to being hurt and disappointed,” explains Dr. Karen Swartz from Johns Hopkins. It can also lead to chronic anger, which increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Forgiving and letting go of negative feelings can reverse those health issues. Feeling less angry also helps you sleep more soundly, which is key to your physical and mental health.

Take a Vacation

Doctors say it’s time to pack your bags! The European Society of Cardiology conducted a 40-year study that followed more than 1,200 middle-aged men to determine the effects of vacation time on longevity. The results were surprising. Those who vacationed for more than three weeks annually had a 37% lower chance of dying in the follow-up portion of the study than those who vacationed for less than three weeks. This was mainly due to lower stress levels. The participants who vacationed less also tended to work more and sleep less, which exacerbated health problems.

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