7 tips for a long life

People have always dreamed of a long life. Achieving a proud old age with a smile on your face is no longer just a fantasy, thanks in part to medical advances. And the fact that only very few people still have hard, exhausting physical work. Lifestyle also plays an important role. This means that each and every one of us can do something to stay fit and healthy for a long time. According to the German Institute for Retirement Provision, one in four girls born in 2016 has a good chance of living to be 100. Here are the seven best tips for a long life:

Älteres Paar läuft lachend einen Strand entlang© iStock/monkeybusinessimages
Simple tips can help you save time!

Laugh
... as often and as heartily as possible. This reduces stress hormones and relaxes. The body is now better supplied with blood and blood pressure drops. The reward: people in a good mood can look forward to a long life, as they live on average seven years longer!

Maintain social contacts
Conversations and games evenings with friends and acquaintances keep us mentally fit and are important for our mental well-being. And they reduce the risk of illness, such as inflammation in the blood vessels. According to an observation by the University of North Carolina. Those who also take care of their fellow human beings are even more rewarded. This has now been discovered by Swiss researchers. Seniors in particular who are socially active and enjoy doing so can gain seven to ten years. It is not yet known exactly why this positive effect occurs. One possible explanation: people who are willing to help move around more, which promotes a longer life.

Cultivate a hobby
Nothing is worse than boredom. Right? Hours that don't go by make you unhappy and put you in a bad mood. A fulfilling hobby, however, has the exact opposite effect. We find inner balance and receive self-affirmation, e.g. when a task has been completed, a challenge overcome. According to experts, satisfied, happy people gain up to ten extra years.

Exercise regularly
Many different studies confirm this: Those who are physically active have a greater chance of looking young and attractive for a long time - staying 40 for 20 years, so to speak. And to grow old to boot. It is advisable to do 45 minutes of sport three times a week without overexerting yourself. For example, walking or jogging at a moderate pace. This lowers blood lipid levels, strengthens the bones and can prevent obesity. Climbing stairs also has a lengthening effect. If you climb 120 steps, you will be rewarded with an extra eight minutes of life. Climbing stairs for a long life? Nothing could be easier!

Eat a balanced diet
This provides the body with all the vital substances it needs to protect its cells. For example, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and secondary plant substances. According to Swedish scientists, this alone can help us live up to 20 years longer.

An active love life
A regular love life boosts the immune system and gray cells and improves sleep. In short, those who have sex twice a week live an average of ten years longer.

Marriage
Yes, researchers have also looked into this. A harmonious partnership contributes to good health. Single men tend to lead an unhealthy lifestyle and drink more alcohol, for example, while married people are better looked after. Women gain around seven years of life, men even up to nine.