Harvard researchers conducted a huge study to determine how lifestyle habits influence life expectancy. The research analyzed data from more than 120,000 people over 34 years.
The findings revealed that 5 specific lifestyle habits help you live much longer. Incorporating all 5 of the habits at age 50 was associated with living 14 years longer for women and 12 years longer for men. Here are the 5 habits:
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Defined as eating more foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, healthy fats (from foods like avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds), and omega-3 fats (i.e. from fish), and less unhealthy foods such as processed meats, sugar-sweetened drinks, trans fat, and added salt.
2. Do Regular Physical Activity
This one is pretty simple — defined as doing an average of 30+ minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day.
3. Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Defined as having a normal body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9. Calculate your BMI here.
4. Don’t Smoke
This means you have never been a smoker.
