While there may not be a real fountain of youth out there in this vast universe, and the secret to living forever (at least in your current body) remains elusive, there are habits you can adopt to live longer and, more importantly, to live a happier, more fulfilling life. The best part? Incorporating these habits into your daily routine is easier than you might think.
Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for happiness or longevity. Life is unpredictable, and nothing is guaranteed. But here’s the exciting part: making it to your 100th birthday—or even your 105th—might not be as far-fetched as it seems. A recent study published in Science suggests that once you reach 105 years old, your daily survival odds are essentially 50/50. While that might sound a bit grim at first, the research shows that “human death rates increase exponentially up to about age 80,” then start to decline, eventually leveling off at 105. So if you make it to your 100s, you’ve already achieved something remarkable. And this study challenges the idea that there’s a hard cap on the human lifespan. Isn’t that fascinating?
So, whether your goal is to live to 105 or simply to enjoy a richer life for however long you’re here, consider these expert tips for nurturing your mind, body, and spirit.
Embrace Mindful Movement
Even if that means getting up from your desk right now and doing 10 jumping jacks or taking a quick walk around the block, movement is essential for your body. A sedentary lifestyle can have serious negative effects. Carrie Schmitz, a senior manager at Ergotron specializing in ergonomics and office wellness, points out that research has consistently shown a strong link between inactivity and an increased risk of early death. “It is critical to find ways to move throughout the day to lower your risk of early mortality and the health risks that can lead to it,” Schmitz tells Elite Daily. Even something as simple as replacing an hour of sitting with light activity, like walking, can reduce your mortality risk.
In fact, a 2011 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that every hour spent sitting could reduce your life expectancy by nearly 22 minutes. So next time, take the stairs instead of the elevator—it’s definitely worth the effort!
Cultivate Gratitude
According to happiness coach Susan Rose, one of the best ways to “not only enjoy every day more, but to do it longer,” is to develop a gratitude practice. “There are many ways to do this, but one that is good for framing the day is, first thing in the morning, to write a list of everything you’re grateful for,” she tells Elite Daily.
If it feels challenging, start small—jot down just one thing you’re thankful for each morning, whether it’s your dog, a closet full of cute clothes, or that delicious cup of coffee. Imagine how much more positive your day will be from that point on, and how much happier you’ll feel. Plus, a 2011 study published by the National Academy of Sciences found that happier people tend to live longer, so a little gratitude can go a long way.
Laugh Until It Hurts
Yes, laughing at inside jokes and cat memes could actually help you live longer. Mark Occhipinti, Ph.D., ND, co-founder and CEO of American Fitness Professionals & Associates, explains that laughter lowers both your blood pressure and heart rate, contributing to a longer, happier life. “Being happy circulates endorphins in the body, which not only make you feel better, but also act better,” Occhipinti tells Elite Daily.
A 15-year Norwegian study published in Psychosomatic Medicine even found that people with a strong sense of humor are more likely to live long, healthy lives. So don’t feel bad about sending “too many memes” to your BFF—you’re actually doing both of you a huge favor!
Don’t Skip the Sunscreen
According to Dr. Joshua Zuckerman, MD, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, applying sunscreen is a simple habit that can significantly impact your longevity. “Even a handful of severe sunburns can increase your lifetime risk of skin cancer, which can be aggressive and require significant excision of tissue or cause death,” Zuckerman tells Elite Daily. “Much of our cumulative exposure to UV radiation occurs during daily activities, including running errands or walking to work.”
So even if you spend most of your time indoors, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Keep your SPF in a visible spot, like next to your toothbrush, so you’ll never forget to apply it before heading out for the day.
Spend Time with Loved Ones
“Make those weekly family get-togethers a priority — and try not to fight with your sister,” says Sheina Schochet, a mental health counselor based in New York, to Elite Daily. In other words, don’t underestimate the importance of spending quality time with the people you love. According to Harvard Health, a lack of close, strong relationships can increase your risk of premature death by as much as 50 percent.
Ultimately, these habits aren’t just about extending your time on Earth—they’re about making the most of the time you have and creating as many amazing memories as possible. So go ahead, take care of your mind, body, and spirit, and live your best life.
