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5 Tips for Longevity 

People today are living longer and looking younger than decades past. There are countless supplements and serums out there that claim to add years to your life. Scientists are working on prolonging human life, but some think living well into the hundreds is still far off. The scientific and ethical debates rage on, but there are things you can do and lifestyle changes you can make now to live a longer, healthier life.

1. Quit smoking.

It’s obvious, but many smokers don’t want to quit or believe it’s easier said than done. But the fact remains that the sooner you quit, the more years you’ll add to your life – and the younger you’ll look.

2. Exercise.

Research has shown time and time again that exercise is highly beneficial to your health. But studies have found that exercise also increases longevity. Thirty minutes per day of cardiovascular activity in particular – running, walking, swimming, biking – can add up to four years to your life. And middle age is not too late to start.

3. Eat right.

Now, in addition to eating the right kinds of foods – fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, nuts, fish, a glass of red wine – researchers say eating less could also slow the aging process. It’s really about restricting your calories, which can decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and help you live longer.

4. Challenge your brain.

Experts say you can strengthen your brain and reduce the risk of dementia by using your brain in new and challenging ways. Keep reading and learning new things, do the daily crossword or Sudoku puzzle, and/or play memorization games with yourself. A new study also found that eating fatty fish – salmon, herring, mackerel – can also lower the risk of dementia. But it has to be baked or broiled, not fried.

5. Laugh.

The jury’s still out on whether or not laughing actually has an effect on health, but it does have potential benefits to blood flow and the immune system. Scientists can agree, however, that laughter improves our quality of life. Enjoying the company of friends and family and enjoying life in general are certainly key to a long life of happiness.

What do you do to stay young?