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Although longevity is determined in part by factors beyond anyone's control, particularly one's genes, there are some simple and effective things that can be done to maximize the chances of living a long and healthy life. They are largely the same things that one should do to avoid the leading killer diseases, particularly heart disease, cancer and diabetes. They include: 1. Not smoking. Smoking is the leading avoidable cause of death. Smoking is not glamorous, it is just plain stupid. It is also a waste of money. Other tobacco products, such as snuff, are also highly toxic and should also be completely avoided. 2. Consuming only minimal amounts of alcoholic beverages or no alcoholic beverages at all. 3. Eating nutritious food. This means avoiding so-called fast food and eating mainly vegetables, fruit and whole grains. A number of studies have shown that vegetarians tend to live longer than people who eat meat and that they also tend to avoid many so-called adult diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis and diabetes, which can both reduce longevity and lower the quality of life. Moreover, among vegetarians, vegans, who are people who consume no animal products (such as milk and eggs), are the longest lived and healthiest. Although not everyone wants to become a vegan, there are still many simple changes that most people can make in their diets without giving up tasty food that may help boost both their longevity and quality of life. 4. Getting regular exercise. Exercise has numerous health benefits, including losing weight and improving circulation of the blood. The human body was not designed for sedentary living. Brisk daily walks are an excellent form of exercise that almost anybody can do. It is also important to do upper body exercise, such as lifting weights (which need not be particularly heavy). Swimming is a particularly good exercise because it uses a variety of muscles and does not place stress on the joints. 5. Getting sufficient sleep. Many people suffer chronic sleep deprivation and only make it through the day by drinking lots of coffee or tea. Sleep deprivation eventually takes a toll on the human body. 6. Avoiding exposure to toxic substances and avoiding dangerous situations. This includes avoiding working in hazardous occupations (including those that use toxic chemicals), not living in highly polluted areas (such as near chemical plants or expressways) and and not engaging in reckless driving. 7. Being happy and having a positive outlook on life. It has been repeatedly demonstrated that psychological health is an important factor in physiological health and thus in longevity. It is not necessary to have a lot of money to attain satisfaction with life. In fact, many people have found that the most important factors in true happiness are helping others and being creative. Created September 30, 2006. |