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Certain lifestyle factors are associated with the activation of an enzyme that protects against degradation of telomeres, the end regions of chromosomes, the size of which determines our chances of longevity. Following them increases the probability of celebrating the 100th anniversary.
Scientists note that a healthy lifestyle slows down the aging process at the DNA level. What can we do?
Follow the Mediterranean diet. It is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil and fish. An analysis of 50 studies involving more than half a million people showed the impressive benefits of this diet: thanks to it, the risk of metabolic syndrome is reduced - a combination of obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure and other factors that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Get married. A number of studies show that married people live longer than single people - this may be due to the social and economic support that marriage offers. A successful and happy marriage prolongs life especially noticeably. Even those who are divorced or widowed have a higher average life expectancy than those who have never been married.
Maintain friendly relations. Friends help you live longer. Australian researchers have found that older people with a lot of social contacts have a lower risk of dying over the next 10 years than people with fewer friends. An analysis of 140 studies reinforces the link between social contacts and longevity.
Cope with stress properly. The ability to withstand stress helps prevent heart disease and gives extra years of life. Stress control methods include yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
Have a goal in life. Japanese researchers have found that men who have a purpose in their lives and live a meaningful life are less likely to suffer from strokes and heart disease than those who do not see much meaning in it. Another study (Rush University) found that having a purpose in life is also associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Adhere to the siesta. A study of more than 20 people found that people who regularly took a siesta -- a short afternoon nap -- had a nearly 000% lower risk of dying from a heart attack than those who didn't. Presumably, the siesta reduces the level of stress hormones, which in turn harm the heart.
Do not smoke. If a person quits smoking at the age of 30, it can give them an extra decade of life. If aged 40, 50 or 60, life expectancy will still increase to nine, six or three years.
To be slim. Excess fat contributes to the development of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks and other diseases that shorten life expectancy. First of all, belly fat poses a threat to health and life. Its loss in this part of the body gives extra years of life.
Use the Okinawa principle. The inhabitants of Okinawa, the Japanese archipelago, had until recently the highest life expectancy in the entire world. The reason for this was their traditional diet, which was high in green and yellow vegetables and low in calories - consuming only 80 percent of the actual daily calorie requirement on average.
Live religiously. There is evidence that people who attend church regularly live longer than people who don't. In particular, it was found that diligent parishioners have a stronger immune system and psyche than others.
