8 habits linked to a long life

How to increase your odds of survival, according to science [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( IN a nutshell Hi, friends! Everyone wants to know the secret — or, shall I say "secrets" — to a longer life. But what if those secrets have been hiding in plain sight all along? Today, we look into a recent study that found certain lifestyle habits can have a seismic impact on how — and how long — you age. Here’s what else we’re talking about today: • [Statistics about breast cancer everyone should know]( • [A yard game for friendship]( • [12 ways to make friends after 50]( • [Symptoms to watch for as an older adult]( Stay sharp, Ginger Wojcik Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Ginger Wojcik August 2, 2023 • 5 min read [Taking up these habits before age 40 could add decades to your life]( what’s got us buzzing [Taking up these habits before age 40 could add decades to your life]( Your lifestyle choices have long lasting effects. You may not be able to control your genes or many of the curveballs life throws your way, but there are key decisions you can make to increase your odds of living a long, healthy life, according to a [new study](. These include: - not smoking - [being physically active]( - not binge drinking - [prioritizing good sleep]( - [eating healthy]( - minimizing stress - [having close social ties]( - not using opioids Managing your vices. Perhaps unsurprisingly, [smoking]( and using [opioids]( were associated with the greatest increase in risk of death (alongside not getting enough [exercise](). While not everyone who smokes or uses opioids has an addiction, nicotine and opioids have a [high potential for dependence](. If you have symptoms of a [substance use disorder](, know there are many [resources]( available to help you get started on recovery. It’s never too late to get started. The research noted that these healthy habits added 24 years for men and 22.6 for women, for people who were 40 years old. But really, they’re smart habits to work into your everyday routine at any age. More on longevity: - [The longevity diet: Foods to eat for a long life]( - [Can thinking positively about aging help fight memory loss?]( - [The 14 best anti-aging vitamins and supplements]( great finds Editor faves with health perks [Fitbit Charge 5]( [Fitbit Charge 5]( Monitor your movements, sleep patterns, and so much more with this top-rated fitness tracker. [SHOP NOW]( [Kindle Paperwhite]( [Kindle Paperwhite]( If it hurts your eyes to read in bed at night, might we suggest treating yourself to a Kindle? Its calming backlight helps protect your eyes even in dim lighting. [SHOP NOW]( [Bocce Ball Set from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia]( [Bocce Ball Set from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia]( Gather around games of bocce and watch your friendships grow into old age. [SHOP NOW]( Every product we recommend has gone through [Healthline's vetting process](. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. [Health aging 101: Do something physical with another person]( Wednesday Kick Start [Health aging 101: Do something physical with another person]( Loneliness and inactivity are two of the top leading health risks as you age. [Research]( shows that people without meaningful social ties have a higher risk of chronic conditions and early death. Being [sedentary]( is also linked with a list of health issues. Use movement as an excuse to bond with others and be active at the same time. This can be as small as taking a daily walk around the block with a friend or expanding your friend circle by joining a Zumba class. You may find it’s easier to find the motivation to get moving when you have a friend in tow! Remember that people are looking for connections, too. Making new friends can be uncomfortable and vulnerable. But according to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](, nearly one-fourth of people over age 65 are considered socially isolated. So even though it may be out of your comfort zone to interact with new people, remember that there are many people out there who would be thrilled to make your acquaintance. Got tips for how to make or maintain friendships throughout the decades? Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com! (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition!) More on healthy aging: • [8 ways to truly enjoy the little things]( • [Symptoms to watch for as an older adult]( • [How to get through the midlife blues]( health stories you need What we’re reading next [] 💦 [The drug side effect no one talks about.]( Many medications cause excessive sweating, which can lead to extra strong body odor. Here are ones to have on your radar. 💊 [There are new antidepressants on the market.]( We break down how these fast-acting treatments differ from traditional SSRIs and potential downsides to know about. 🎗️ [Statistics about breast cancer everyone should know.]( Nearly 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Here’s what to look out for and how to increase your chances of survival. 💩 [Why chronic constipation may be a risk factor for cognitive decline.]( Apparently there’s a link between brain health and how often you poop. Yeah, we know you’re curious to know more. Thanks for reading everyone! If you or someone you know needs help recovering from substance misuse, consider reaching out to [SAMHSA’s 24-hour National Helpline]( at 1-800-662-HELP. And no matter what you’re dealing with, remember to be kind to yourself. Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! [Telegram] This edition was powered by dog park friends. [fb]( [tiktok]( [insta]( [View in browser]( Did a friend send you this email? [Subscribe here.]( To see all newsletters, [click here.]( [Privacy]( | [Unsubscribe]( Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001