by Sofia Moreau

Set your sights high, ladies! One in six of us will be receiving a centenarian birthday card, according to recent data. And our collective hats go off to modern medicine for that sensational leap in life expectancy since the 19th century, when the average mortal coil only stretched to 47 years.

Yet, it’s worth remembering; lifestyle choices can also dramatically influence our longevity. For instance, Cancer Research UK estimates that about half of all cancer diagnoses could have been dodged with changes to lifestyle habits. We all know ditching cigarettes and embracing exercise are ground rules, but let’s delve into seven additional daily habits you can tweak to not only expand your lifespan but also enhance its quality.

Be Serious About Dental Hygiene

Research clearly links gum disease to strokes and heart attacks. Poor dental hygiene paves the way for gum disease, providing bacteria the perfect gateway into your bloodstream, consequently raising your risk of heart attacks and strokes. So, don’t forget to floss thoroughly every day. It’s a simple measure to protect 40 per cent of your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.

Double Your Fruit & Veg Portions

It’s time to amplify your daily intake of fruits and vegetables from five to roughly ten. A comprehensive study from a prestigious academic institution concludes that consuming 800g of fruits and veg daily can significantly decrease risks of stroke and heart disease.

Ditch the Yo-Yo Diets

The cycle of strict dieting followed by immediate weight rebound isn’t just detrimental to your mood but also wreaks havoc on your health. A long-term dietary commitment, anchored in natural, nutrient-rich foods and accompanied by regular physical activity, will make you healthier, happier, and slimmer.

Stay Positive, Stay Healthy

A comprehensive review has found that a positive outlook can add years to your life regardless of your physical health. So, learn and adopt the habit of looking at the bright side. It’s truly a health elixir!

Please Stand Up

Risk of severe illnesses rockets among those leading a sedentary lifestyle, even if they are eating healthily or exercising regularly. Standing breaks during periods of prolonged sitting can tremendously reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Nourish Your Friendships

Good friends are the cheapest life insurance. It seemed that maintaining a robust support network could increase your lifespan by 50%, a benefit equivalent to quitting cigarettes altogether. Face-to-face human interaction is key, and make sure to surround yourself with uplifting friends.

Regular Vitamin D Check-ups

A deficiency in vitamin D, which is now common, can lead to an array of diseases, including heart disease, breast cancer, and diabetes, among others. A simple pin-prick test can help you monitor your vitamin D levels and allow you to take preventive measures if needed.

Life is a journey, and you want it to be as long, vigorous, and gratifying as possible. Remember, these healthy habits are small changes that can make a world of difference.

lifestyle habits, longevity, dental hygiene, increased fruit and vegetable intake, resist yo-yo dieting, maintain a positive outlook, reduce sitting time, maintain friendships, Vitamin D test, healthier lifestyle