What Are Some Things That Help People Live Longer?

Longevity is correlated with diet, exercise, genetics and sleep ---among other things. Although it is difficult to say whether, and how, these correlations are causal, the correlations are so strong that they cannot be ignored. Living for a long time is basically a matter of keeping your system running smoothly. Like any machine, the harder it works, the sooner it will break down, so eat the right food, get enough exercise and generally keep yourself strong to have a long life.

Caloric Intake

• Studies in lab rats have shown that reducing calories by 20 percent or more can add a substantial amount to their lifespan, but this is not necessarily the case in humans. A long life is partly correlated with eating in moderation. Don't eat too much much, but don't eat too little, either. Being overweight puts a lot of strain on your system, thus reducing your life expectancy, but being underweight is also unhealthy. Consistently healthy weight is correlated with longevity.

  There is more to calories than just a number, though. They should also be composed of the correct foods. Getting 2,000 calories from cheeseburgers has a very different set of nutrients than 2,000 calories from vegetables. Wholesome, healthy, non-processed foods cause your body to store less fat and avoid making your digestive system work too hard.

Sleep

• Most people need six to nine hours of sleep per night. Sleeping too much or too little increases your chances of dying for a variety of reasons. If you're not sleeping enough, your body will not be getting the rest it needs, thus reducing your immune system and general strength and increasing your risk of death. Sleeping too much has a similar risk, as sleeping more than nine hours a night is generally correlated with an unhealthy lifestyle, according to Nedley Health Solutions.

Exercise

• Regular exercise is also key to having a long life. The optimal form of exercise is a combination of weight training and cardiovascular work, but as long as you are doing something for a half-hour or so a day, you will be keeping your body strong and able to live longer.

Smoking

• Don't start. If you do smoke, stop.

Social Networks

• Humans are social creatures, and if you have access to a supportive community and strong relationships, the odds are that you will live longer than someone who does not. Strong friendships, an active community and a strong marriage are all key to a long, happy life because these things get you out of the house, keep you active and give you a reason to keep living.

Genes

• A 2010 study found a number of genetic variants that correlate to longevity with 77 percent accuracy. This means that genes --- which you are born with --- are a major factor in living for a long time. So although sleep, exercise, diet, social networks and not smoking are all important to your general health, the most important factor in living for a long time is being born with the right set of genes.