Quit Smoking
It's
no secret that giving up cigarettes can lengthen your days, but the
amount of extra time may surprise you. A 50-year British study shows
that quitting at age 30 could increase your lifespan by an entire
decade. Kicking the habit at age 40, 50, or 60 can add 9, 6, or 3 years
to your life, respectively.
Protect Your DNA
As
you age, the ends of your chromosomes -- called telomeres -- become
shorter. This makes you more likely to get sick. But lifestyle changes
can boost an enzyme that increases their length. Plus, studies show diet
and exercise can protect them. The bottom line: Healthy habits may
slow aging at the cellular level.
Play to Win
An
80-year study found that people who are conscientious -- meaning they
pay attention to detail, think things through, and try to do what's
right -- live longer. They do more things to protect their health and
make choices that lead to stronger relationships and better careers.
Make Friends
Here's
one more reason to be grateful for your friends -- they might help you
live longer. Australian researchers found elderly social butterflies
were less likely to die over a 10-year period compared to people with
the fewest friends. A look at results from 148 more studies shows a
clear link between social ties and a long life.
Choose Friends Wisely
Your
friends’ habits rub off on you, so look for buddies with healthy
lifestyles. Your chances of becoming obese go up if you have a friend
who adds extra pounds. Smoking also spreads through social ties, but the
good news is that quitting is also contagious.
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