I have written about how you can make your life seem longer by slowing down the apparent passage of time. I have written about some things that can predict a long life, but not necessarily cause one. Today, I am going to describe several ways to extend your life that are not typical or commonly known.
I'm talking about objectively measuring time in days, weeks, and months. This is different from people's subjective perception of time, although that is important too.
How to do it?
Live somewhere green, or grow a bunch of plants and trees in your yard.
We are genetically built to live in nature among trees, rivers, meadows, wildflowers, beaches, and other aspects of the wilderness. This is where we come from, and it is what we are designed for on a fundamental level. This is why spending even brief periods of time in forests can reduce stress, improve our ability to process sugar, and increase our anti-cancer activity. Additionally, this is why spending time in green spaces can make us more creative and less anxious. Even seeing pictures of nature scenes or smelling the organic compounds that trees release can have effects similar to the real thing. Nature is a reset for us.
What would it be like to live in a place with a lot of plants and trees? It may not be possible for most people to live in a forest, but having a garden, living near a park, or getting a lot of houseplants is not unreasonable. It turns out that women who live near green spaces (parks, forests, gardens) tend to live longer than those who do not. The longer they live near these spaces, the lower their mortality risk becomes.
I think the data show that there is a strong correlation between exposure to greenness and a longer life span, especially for women. Even when controlling for other factors such as socioeconomic status and race, the data are still valid. Therefore, I believe that this is a good strategy for life extension.
Follow your life’s purpose.
The main point of the text is that having a life purpose is linked to better physical and mental health, and this is supported by the idea that people who have a life purpose have a low allostatic load.
If you're not sure what your purpose is, making one up might not be effective. However, everyone has a purpose, even if most people ignore it, are afraid of it, or doubt their ability to achieve it. Be truthful with yourself and look inside for guidance on what you're meant to do, instead of what you think you should be doing.
Eat a lot of collagen.
First, glycine, the primary amino acid in collagen, is anti-inflammatory which could have positive effects on lifespan. It balances out the muscle meat we eat. In one recent study, people with low glycine levels and high meat intakes were more likely to have diabetes, while heavy meat eaters with higher glycine levels were protected from diabetes. Another study found that low circulating levels of glycine predicted diabetes risk. A lack of glycine may be responsible for the oft-cited (and criticized) link between meat consumption and various diseases.
I emphasize collagen in my diet and offer a product to help people boost their collagen intake. (There is a chocolate version now.)
Second, collagen is good for the skin. Studies have shown that consuming collagen can reduce skin cracking and wrinkling, as well as improve skin elasticity.
Why is it important to have youthful-looking skin? It is not just for cosmetic reasons. It also shows that the person is healthy and will live for a long time. The way a person's face looks is a better predictor of how long they will live than many other objective markers. If collagen makes your skin look better, decreases wrinkles, and makes you look younger, it might actually make you younger.
1. Avoid overeating
Many people are interested in the connection between the number of calories you consume and how long you live.
Animal studies have suggested that reducing your calorie intake by 10-50% could lead to a longer maximum lifespan.
Studies of human populations with a reputation for longevity also observe links between low calorie intake, an extended lifespan, and a lower likelihood of disease.
Calorie restriction may help reduce body weight and fat, which are associated with shorter lifespans.
Although calorie restriction may have some benefits, it is often not sustainable and can have negative side effects, such as increased hunger, low body temperature, and a diminished sex drive.
What we do know is that it does seem to improve health and extend maximum lifespan in a number of species. Although it is not yet clear how calorie restriction affects aging, we do know that it seems to improve health and extend the maximum lifespan of many different species.
2. Eat more nuts
Nuts are nutritional powerhouses.
Pulses are a type of legume that are high in protein, fiber, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds. They're also a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including copper, magnesium, potassium, folate, niacin, and vitamins B6 and E.
Nuts are shown to have beneficial effects on numerous health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, inflammation, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and various types of cancer.
The study found that people who ate at least three servings of nuts a week were 39% less likely to die prematurely than people who didn't eat nuts.
Similarly, two recent reviews that included over 350,000 people found that those who ate nuts had a lower risk of dying during the study period, with the greatest reductions seen in those who ate one serving of nuts per day.
3. Try out turmeric
Curcumin has been shown to boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that helps promote the growth of new neurons and the prevention of age-related cognitive decline. Turmeric is a great option for anti-aging strategies. This is becauseTurmeric contains a potent bioactive compound called curcumin. Curcumin has been shown to boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which helps promote the growth of new neurons and the prevention of age-related cognitive decline.
Curcumin is thought to help protect against age-related diseases and cancers and to maintain brain, heart, and lung function due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Curcumin has been linked to an increased lifespan in both insects and mice.
These findings have not been replicated consistently, and there are no human studies currently available.
Although it has not been proven, turmeric has been consumed in India for thousands of years and is usually considered safe.
4. Eat plenty of healthy plant foods
A varied diet consisting mostly of plants may help to protect against diseases and lengthen life.
Many studies have found that eating a diet rich in plants may reduce the risk of premature death as well as various diseases such as cancer, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, depression, and brain deterioration.
The effects of plant foods on health are due to their nutrients and antioxidants, which include polyphenols, carotenoids, folate, and vitamin C.
According to several studies, vegetarian and vegan diets, which are higher in plant-based foods, are linked to a 12-15% lower risk of premature death.
Studies have found that consuming a plant-based diet can lower your risk of dying from cancer, heart disease, and kidney or hormone-related diseases by 29-52%.
Continuous research affirms that consuming too much meat can be detrimental to your health, increasing the likelihood of mortality and contracting diseases.
However, other studies report that there is either no link or a much weaker link between red meat and cancer. It seems that the negative effects are specifically linked to processed meat.
People who don't eat meat are usually more health conscious than people who do, which could explain these findings.
In general, it is beneficial for health and longevity to eat many plant-based foods.
A diet rich in plant foods is associated with a longer life and a lower risk of various common diseases.
5. Stay physically active
Being physically active can keep you healthy and add years to your life.
You may be able to achieve benefits from as little as 15 minutes of exercise per day, which could include an additional 3 years of life.
Additionally, you may decrease your risk of premature death by 4% for each additional 15 minutes of physical activity that you do each day.
A recent review found that people who exercised regularly were 22% less likely to die early, even if they didn't exercise for the recommended 150 minutes per week.
People who exercised for 150 minutes per week were 28% less likely to die early, and those who exercised for more than 150 minutes per week were 35% less likely to die early.
Some research suggests that vigorous activity may lead to a 5% greater reduction in risk compared to low- or moderate-intensity activities.
Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is the key. If you want to live a long and healthy life, being physically active is key. Exercising for more than 150 minutes per week is ideal, but even small amounts of physical activity can make a difference. The key is to avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
6. Don’t smoke
Smoking is known to cause numerous diseases and premature death.
In general, people who smoke cigarettes may lose up to 10 years of life, and be three times more likely to die prematurely, than those who never smoke cigarettes.
You can quit smoking at any age and see health benefits.
The study found that those who quit smoking by age 35 increased their life expectancy by 8.5 years.
Additionally, quitting smoking in your 60s can add an extra 3.7 years to your life. In fact, even quitting in your 80s can have benefits.
Smoking cessation significantly prolongs life expectancy and it is never too late to quit smoking.
7. Moderate your alcohol intake
Drinking a lot of alcohol is connected with liver, heart, and pancreatic illness, as well as a general greater risk of dying young (47Trusted Source).
However, reducing your likelihood of several diseases as well as your risk of premature death by 17-18% is associated with moderate consumption.
Due to its high content of polyphenol antioxidants, wine is considered particularly beneficial.
According to a 29-year study, men who preferred wine were 34% less likely to die early than those who preferred beer or spirits.
One review observed wine to be especially protective against heart disease, diabetes, neurological disorders, and metabolic syndrome (50Trusted Source).
It is recommended that women should consume no more than 1-2 units of alcohol per day, and no more than 7 units per week. Men should consume no more than 3 units of alcohol per day, and no more than 14 units per week.
Although moderate drinking may have some benefits, there is no strong research to indicate that these benefits are greater than the benefits of not drinking at all.
There is no need to drink alcohol if you don't normally drink it.
If you drink alcohol moderately, it may help prevent disease and prolong your life. Wine may be particularly beneficial.
8. Prioritize your happiness
Feeling happy can significantly increase your longevity (52).
Happier individuals were 3.7% less likely to die during a 5-year study period.
The study found that the nuns who reported being happiest when they first entered the monastery lived an average of 10 years longer than those who reported being least happy. A study of 180 Catholic nuns analyzed their self-reported levels of happiness when they first entered the monastery. The study found that the nuns who reported being happiest when they first entered the monastery lived an average of 10 years longer than those who reported being least happy.
According to the study, 54% of people who were happy at 22 were still alive six decades later.
The review of 35 studies showed that people who are happy live up to 18% longer than people who are less happy.
A study of 100,000 people over eight years found that the happiest among them were about 30% less likely to die during that period than the least happy. Happiness is not only linked to a better mood, but also a longer lifespan. A study that followed 100,000 people for eight years found that the happiest people were 30% less likely to die during that period than the least happy people.
9. Avoid chronic stress and anxiety
Anxiety and stress may significantly decrease your lifespan.
For example, women who suffer from stress or anxiety are up to twice as likely to die from heart disease, stroke, or lung cancer.
The risk of premature death is up to three times higher for men who are anxious or stressed compared to men who are more relaxed.
If you're feeling stressed, try to laugh and be optimistic.
Pessimism has been linked with a shorter life span, but both laughter and optimism can help reduce stress and potentially extend your life.
Stress and anxiety reduction can help to lengthen your life, as well as maintain a positive outlook.
10. Nurture your social circle
If you want to live a long and healthy life, maintaining healthy social networks is key, according to new research. The study found that people with strong social ties had a 50% increased chance of living longer than those who didn't (66Trusted Source).
Having just three social ties may decrease your risk of early death by over 200%.
There is evidence to suggest that having a good social network can have a positive effect on heart, brain, hormonal and immune function, which in turn may reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses.
A strong social support system may also help you to better manage stress, which could help to explain the positive effect it has on lifespan.
The study found that providing support to others may be more beneficial than receiving it. So, in addition to accepting care from your friends and family, make sure to return the favor.
11. Be more conscientious
A person's conscientiousness is their ability to Stick to their plans, be efficient and organised, and have self-control.
Kids who are persistent, organized, and disciplined live 11% longer than kids who are less conscientious.
People who are conscientious tend to have lower blood pressure, fewer psychiatric conditions, and a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.
It is speculated that the success of conscientious individuals is due, in part, to their tendency to avoid dangerous risks and to react positively to stress. Furthermore, these individuals are more likely to lead successful professional lives and be proactive about their health.
You can improve your conscientiousness at any stage of life by making small changes, like keeping your desk tidy, sticking to a work plan, or being on time.
People who are more conscientious tend to live longer and have fewer health problems in old age, according to a new study.
12. Drink coffee or tea
We can infer from the text that consuming either coffee or tea regularly may help to prevent chronic illness.
For example, the polyphenols and catechins found in green tea may reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Coffee is also linked with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers and brain ailments, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Both coffee and tea drinkers benefit from a 20 to 30 percent lower risk of early death compared to non-drinkers.
Remember that drinking too much caffeine can give you anxiety and make it hard to sleep. Try to stick to 400 mg a day, which is about 4 cups of coffee.
Caffeine typically takes six hours to wear off, so if you're having trouble sleeping, it might help to drink caffeine earlier in the day.
