Many of us have family members living in an assisted living facility well over the age of 100. Yet, at the same time, we know people who have passed away well before they could be considered old. 

The question then becomes, what makes certain people live longer than others? While some factors may be out of our control, others are. In many cases, the secret to longevity all comes down to practicing healthy habits. Here are 5 ways to live longer that are backed by studies and good old science.

Eat Well

It may seem redundant, yet it’s very true. You are what you eat, so the more balanced and nutritious your diet is, the healthier you’ll be overall. A healthy diet is one that is balanced and full of nutritious varieties. From fresh fruits and vegetables to whole grains and lean proteins, make sure you eat more fresh ingredients than processed ones. Above all, keep your caloric intake down. The more calories you consume, the more likely you are to develop obesity-related diseases, not to mention a higher risk of heart disease.

Get Moving

Engaging in daily exercise is crucial for heart health and circulation. If high-intensity exercise isn’t your thing, that’s OK. Something as simple as a brisk walk for 20 to 30 minutes a day can make a world of difference in your overall physique. 

If you’ve never exercised before, it’s never too late to start. Start incorporating a little exercise into your daily routine and gradually increase the intensity. Doing this can significantly increase your life expectancy.

Quit Smoking

If you haven’t heard yet, smoking is one of the worst things that you can do for your health. It substantially increases your risk of all sorts of diseases, from heart disease to lung cancer to other respiratory illnesses.

Quitting smoking can immediately increase your life expectancy, and the longer you go without smoking, the longer your lifespan will increase. Never starting smoking in the first place is even better if you can manage it.

Cut Back on Drinking

While moderate alcohol consumption is acceptable, excessive consumption is extremely dangerous for your health. There are some studies that suggest drinking moderately can even be beneficial for your health. However, this depends on a wide variety of factors, from your sex to the type of alcohol to other health conditions. However, the less you drink, the better.

Nurture Your Relationships

Creating and maintaining strong connections with others is not something you might expect to affect your lifespan; however, studies prove otherwise. Statistics show that people who have a supportive network of friends and family are some of the longest-living people on the planet. Stay in touch with the people you love and nurture your relationships if you hope to live a longer, happier, and healthier life.