How to increase your odds of survival, according to science
| | | | Hi, friends! | | Everyone wants to know the secret — or, shall I say "secrets" — to a longer life. But what if those secrets have been hiding in plain sight all along? Today, we look into a recent study that found certain lifestyle habits can have a seismic impact on how — and how long — you age. | | Here's what else we're talking about today: | | | | | Stay sharp,
Ginger Wojcik
Newsletter Editor, Healthline | | | | |
| |  | | Written by Ginger Wojcik
August 2, 2023 • 5 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | Taking up these habits before age 40 could add decades to your life | Your lifestyle choices have long lasting effects. You may not be able to control your genes or many of the curveballs life throws your way, but there are key decisions you can make to increase your odds of living a long, healthy life, according to a new study. These include: Managing your vices. Perhaps unsurprisingly, smoking and using opioids were associated with the greatest increase in risk of death (alongside not getting enough exercise). While not everyone who smokes or uses opioids has an addiction, nicotine and opioids have a high potential for dependence. If you have symptoms of a substance use disorder, know there are many resources available to help you get started on recovery.
It's never too late to get started. The research noted that these healthy habits added 24 years for men and 22.6 for women, for people who were 40 years old. But really, they're smart habits to work into your everyday routine at any age.
More on longevity: | | | | | | |
| | | | | Editor faves with health perks | | | | | | | | | Fitbit Charge 5 | | Monitor your movements, sleep patterns, and so much more with this top-rated fitness tracker. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Kindle Paperwhite | | If it hurts your eyes to read in bed at night, might we suggest treating yourself to a Kindle? Its calming backlight helps protect your eyes even in dim lighting. | | | | | | | | | | | | | Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | Health aging 101: Do something physical with another person | | Loneliness and inactivity are two of the top leading health risks as you age. Research shows that people without meaningful social ties have a higher risk of chronic conditions and early death. Being sedentary is also linked with a list of health issues. | | Use movement as an excuse to bond with others and be active at the same time. This can be as small as taking a daily walk around the block with a friend or expanding your friend circle by joining a Zumba class. You may find it's easier to find the motivation to get moving when you have a friend in tow! | | Remember that people are looking for connections, too. Making new friends can be uncomfortable and vulnerable. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one-fourth of people over age 65 are considered socially isolated. So even though it may be out of your comfort zone to interact with new people, remember that there are many people out there who would be thrilled to make your acquaintance. | | Got tips for how to make or maintain friendships throughout the decades? Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com! (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition!) | | More on healthy aging: | | | | | | | |
| | | | Thanks for reading everyone! If you or someone you know needs help recovering from substance misuse, consider reaching out to SAMHSA's 24-hour National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. And no matter what you're dealing with, remember to be kind to yourself.
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