Why I Started Researching Human Longevity
You want to live a long, healthy life, right? Of course you do!
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to living a lengthy and disease-free existence. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take some simple steps today to increase your chances of reaching old age in good health.
As I approached my 40th birthday, I started to get curious about the future and wanted to make sure I would be alive to see it so I began researching human longevity and ways to live healthier for longer.
What I found was that there are many things we can do to increase our lifespan and improve our health as we age.
Some simple lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep, can make a big difference.
Additionally, there are more sophisticated interventions, such as taking supplements and receiving regular medical check-ups, that can also help us to live longer and healthier lives.
Ultimately, by making smart choices now, we can all hope to enjoy many more years of good health.
Live Longer By Doing These 10 Things Today!
These easy to follow tips are simple, budget-friendly, and will ensure you feel great!
1. Get Outside And Move
This doesn’t mean you have to join a gym or start running marathons. In fact, science suggests that regular and moderate exercise is actually better for you!
Simply making a point to get up and move your body for 30 minutes each day can have a profound impact on your health.
30 minutes of daylight in the morning creates a cellular reaction that wakes up your metabolism and helps to regulate your sleep patterns at night.
2. Eat Less Often
Fasting or eating less often has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved brain function, and reduced inflammation.
If you’re interested in trying this approach to eating, there are many resources available online, such as the 5:2 Diet and the 16:8 Diet.
You can also simply eat one meal per day (OMAD) but this takes time to build up to and definitely shouldn’t be rushed into. Alternatively, fast for 12 hours each day and eat all of your meals within that window.
Whatever approach you choose, be sure to listen to your body and eat when you’re actually hungry – not just when it’s time for a meal.
3. Eat Colourful Things That Aren’t Processed
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans are all packed with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help to keep your body healthy.
Aim to fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal, and make sure to include a variety of colours.
Deeply coloured fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, kale, and sweet potatoes, are especially good for you.
Processed foods, on the other hand, are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. They can also contain harmful additives and preservatives.
Eating a diet that is high in processed foods has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
4. Get Out Of Breath Once In A While
You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from exercise. In fact, even moderate exercise can help you to live a longer and healthier life. Moderate exercise is defined as any activity that gets your heart rate up and makes you breathe faster.
Walking, biking, swimming, gardening, and dancing are all great ways to get your body moving and improve your health.
Not only will exercise help you to live longer, but it will also help you to feel better as you age.
Start tracking your steps and activity level with a fitness tracker like a Fitbit or Apple Watch, or use your phone’s built-in tracking features.
There are also many great apps, such as Strava, that can help you to track your progress and set goals.
Exercise also reduces stress, improves brain function, and can help to prevent conditions like obesity, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. So get moving!
5. Socialise With Friends, Family And Your Community
Humans are social creatures, and we need social interaction to thrive. Studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness can increase your risk of premature death by as much as 30%.
On the other hand, having a strong social network can help you to live longer and healthier.
There are many ways to stay connected with the people in your life, even if you can’t be together in person. Give them a call, send them a text, or video chat using apps like FaceTime or Skype.
If you live near your friends or family, make an effort to see them on a regular basis.
And if you’re looking to meet new people, there are plenty of ways to get involved in your community. There are local clubs and organisations for just about everything, from gardening to bird watching to knitting.
Joining one of these groups is a great way to make new friends and improve your health at the same time.
6. Live Longer, Sleep More
Getting enough sleep is crucial for good health.
If you don’t get enough sleep, it can lead to a whole host of problems, including weight gain, depression, anxiety, and heart disease.
Adults should aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
To ensure that you’re getting enough rest, establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Your Circadian Rhythm will thank you.
You should also avoid watching television or working on the computer in bed, as this can make it more difficult to fall asleep.
Creating a relaxing bedtime routine can also help you to fall asleep more easily. A warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calm music are all great ways to unwind before bed.
And finally, create a calming environment in your bedroom by keeping it dark, quiet, and cool.
7. Meditation or Yoga
People who meditate live longer, healthier lives.
Mindfulness meditation is a type of meditation that involves focusing your attention on the present moment. It has been shown to help with stress, anxiety, pain, and sleep problems.
It involves a series of postures and breathing exercises that can help to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance.
Yoga is another great way to reduce stress, increase flexibility, and improve your overall health. There are many different types of yoga, so you can find one that suits your needs and interests.
If you’re new to meditation or yoga, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started.
There are apps, such as Headspace and Calm, that offer guided meditation, and there are also many yoga classes offered online and in studios.
8. Get Regular Health Checks
Visit your doctor for regular check-ups, even if you’re feeling healthy. They can help to catch problems early, before they become serious.
For example, your doctor can check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can help to prevent heart disease. They can also screen for cancer-causing mutations, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
If you have a family history of cancer, it’s important to get checked regularly.
Your doctor can also help you to create a health plan that suits your needs and lifestyle.
So don’t wait until you’re sick to see your doctor – Make an appointment for a check-up today.
9. Discover Your Purpose
Studies have shown that people who have a sense of purpose in life live longer and healthier lives.
Purposeful living has been linked to lower rates of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. It can also help to improve mental health and cognitive function.
So what is your purpose in life? Are you looking to make a difference in the world? Are you passionate about helping others? Do you want to leave a legacy?
Think about what inspires you and what you’re most passionate about. Then, start working towards your goal.
You don’t have to quit your job or make major life changes to live a more purposeful life.
You can start small by volunteering for a local charity or organisations. Or, you can dedicate some time each week to working on your personal projects.
Find what works for you and make it a priority in your life.
10. Don’t Smoke
Smoking is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It’s responsible for a range of health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Smoking mutates your DNA and damages your blood vessels. It also increases your risk of developing a number of other cancers, such as bladder cancer and pancreatic cancer.
If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. It’s never too late to quit and there are many resources available to help you.
So if you’re ready to quit, make a plan and stick to it. You’ll be healthier and live longer as a result.
Summary
There are many things you can do to live a healthier and longer life. Meditation, sleeping, and regular health checks are all great ways to improve your health.
In addition, writing down your purpose in life can help you to live a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.
And finally, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.
So start making healthier choices today and you’ll be on your way to a longer and healthier life.
Find Your Tribe and Join the Longevity Whale Community. The group is a great place to share information and get ideas from other people looking at ways to increase their lifespan and live healthier for longer.
