30 Things That Can Help You Live Longer

If eating chocolate is the secret to a long life, sign us up! Flavonols, the antioxidant found in cocoa beans, is to thank for chocolate’s life-preserving qualities. A 2009 study at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm found that patients who had survived a heart attack were 44 per cent less likely to die over the next eight years if they ate chocolate up to once a week, versus none at all. Dark chocolate has the most flavanols and least amount of sugar, so choose it over less-healthy milk chocolate.

A romp a day keeps the doctor away! Okay, not quite, but people who have and want to have more sex are generally happier, more rested and stress-free. All of these factors contribute to lower blood pressure and a lower risk of heart disease. 

Here's another reason to stay in school: people with a higher education tend to live longer lives. This may have to do with the fact that educated people know how to better take care of themselves, have more stable jobs and generally lead happier lives. 

It’s easier said than done (ahem, Type As, we’re looking at you), but stressing is just about the worst thing you can do for your health. A high level of stress is linked to an increase in a myriad of illnesses from heart disease to eczema, which can ultimately lead to a shorter life.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 10 ways to relax when you’re stressed.

Owning a furry little friend, especially a dog, has a positive impact on life expectancy. Pet owners have been shown to be less stressed, have lower blood pressure, require fewer visits to the doctor and have a 12 percent longer survival rate after a heart attack than non-owners, according to a study by Erika Friedmann.

A study published in the Journal of Behavioural Medicine suggests that the ability to forgive can lead to a longer life. When you forgive someone, you are choosing to let go of any resentment and anger, leading to feelings of happiness and lower disease-inducing stress levels.

These edible powerhouses are well deserving of a spot on this list. Antioxidants cleanse the body of harmful substances, known as free radicals, which help reverse the process of aging. A diet rich in antioxidants, such as berries, green tea, beans, broccoli and garlic, is an important part of a well-balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. 

It's time to start looking at the glass as half full, not half empty. Not only are optimists generally happier people since they have a better outlook on life, but their personality can actually help them live longer. A 2002 study at the Mayo Clinic found that optimistic people decreased their risk of early death by 50 per cent compared to people who were more pessimistic.

Is your oven filled with shoes instead of food à la Carrie Bradshaw? If so, you may want to rethink your daily take-out dinner. A Cambridge University study reports that people who cook up to five times a week are 47 per cent more likely to be alive after 10 years. Not only are home-cooked meals generally healthier and more preservative free, but the legwork involved in cooking and grocery shopping makes it a healthy habit from start to finish. 

Remember this next time you're reaching for that cookie: according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, the maintenance of an appropriate body mass can reduce the incidence of cancer by 30 to 40 per cent. 

Got a case of the giggles? Turns out it’s good for your health! Laughter reduces stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol and releases endorphins that keep us happy and help ward off disease. 

A strong social network that includes people you can confide in is good for your health. Research suggests that you’re at greater risk of heart disease if you don’t have close ties with any friends or family. This is because loneliness can cause depression and inflammation, which is as dangerous to the body as high cholesterol or even smoking. 

Optimism isn’t the only personality trait that’s linked to a longer life. According to the Terman Life-Cycle study, which ran from 1921 to 1991, adults that displayed low conscientiousness died sooner. Conscientious adults are extremely cautious and mindful of their actions, making them more adept to deal with difficult situations and more likely to live a healthier lifestyle. 

This isn’t the first time we’ve sang the praises of moderate consumption of alcohol (described as one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men). It can lead to a happier heart, cuts bad cholesterol and reduces the risk of type two diabetes. It also induces longevity genes that have been linked to a longer life. 

When it comes to sleep, there can be too much of a good thing. According to a February 2002 study in the Archives of General Psychiatry, it was found that people who sleep more than eight hours a night had a higher than normal death rate. However, people who slept less than four hours a night also had a higher death rate. The sweet spot is between six and seven hours a night–these sleepers were shown to live the longest. Bottom line? Everyone needs a different amount of sleep to feel well rested, so listen to your body and make sure you’re giving it what it needs.

Omega-3 fatty acids have incredible anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent heart disease and aging. They’re found in oily fish such as fresh (not canned) salmon and tuna, soy, walnuts and flax seeds among other foods. 

We all know by now that smoking is bad for you, but here’s the cold hard fact: according to a recent study in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, cigarette smoking has been clearly linked to the most common cause of death in the elderly. 

According to a 2012 study, coffee drinkers live longer. The study found that coffee drinkers had an 18 per cent lower risk of dying if they drank two to three cups a day. Before you double up your coffee runs, keep in mind there are two and a half cups of coffee in a Starbucks Venti, and one cup of coffee in a Starbucks Short. 

Early detection saves lives, and lucky for us Canadians, our healthcare is covered, meaning there’s no excuse to miss a checkup. Visit your doctor yearly for a physical and be sure to get screened for cancer and other serious conditions as required. 

There’s a reason that life insurance agents are interested in their clients’ lifestyle and safety habits. Consistently putting yourself in dangerous situations increases your likelihood of dying. So wear a seat belt, look both ways before crossing the street and engage in less extreme sports that have potentially fatal outcomes.

Desk-dwellers, listen up. You’ve likely heard that sitting is detrimental to your health, but did you know that standing more often could actually increase your lifespan? According to the British Medical Journal, sitting fewer than three hours a day is associated with a gain of two years in life. So try to stand whenever possible, whether it’s on the subway or during meetings, and consider switching to a standing height desk. 

“We find that active people will do better, live longer,” says Dr. Merl Myerson, director of cardiovascular prevention at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital in Manhattan. Exercise helps us maintain a healthy weight, releases endorphins and helps ward off stress and disease–it’s an all around lifespan lengthener! 

According to the National Centre for Health Statistics, population groups with the highest poverty rates and the least education suffer from the worst health. Money buys healthier food, medical care and a comfortable living environment – factors that are all linked to a healthier and longer life.

According to a 2011 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, switching from refined carbs to whole grains can reduce your risk of death from any cause by 22 per cent. This simple swap can lower your risk of contracting diabetes, heart disease and some cancers due to a reduction in cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. 

The best way to counteract stress? Meditation. A powerful healing tool, it helps calm the mind, reduce anxiety and can even contribute to better focus and creativity. Start by taking just two minutes out of your day to meditate, and gradually increase to 15 minutes for a significant reduction in stress.

Not only is white meat leaner and healthier than red meat, but it can lengthen your life in the long run. According to a 2009 study from the University of North Carolina, people who eat red meat every day have a higher risk of dying over a 10 year period than those who eat it less. Processed meats, like hot dogs, ham and bacon, were the most to blame for the higher death rate. The same study found that people who ate white meat like chicken, turkey and fish, had a lower risk of death. 

Japan is known as one of the world’s Blue Zones–areas around the world where people are known to live longer. Many experts attribute the Japanese’s long lifespan to their healthy, soy-rich diet of fish, tofu, edamame and vegetables. 

While North Americans tend to eat until we’re stuffed, it’s much healthier to eat until you’re satisfied, as the Japanese do. Dan Buettner, who studies the world’s Blue Zones, suggests this healthy eating habit may contribute to Japan’s top spot on the long life list. 

Beans, beans, good for your life! In a 2004 study conducted on elderly people in Australia, Japan, Sweden and Greece, researchers found that participants had a seven to eight per cent reduction in death for every 20 grams of legumes they consumed daily. Chickpea salad, here we come!

It’s been shown that having a sense of purpose can help you live a longer life. While many people “give up” in their old age, others continue to cultivate a reason for living, whether it’s volunteering, taking care of grandchildren or reaching a goal.