Healthy habits help people to stave off illness, have more energy, feel better emotionally, and perform better. What some people may not realize is that leading a healthy lifestyle may also significantly improve your longevity. Healthy people are less likely to come down will avoidable illnesses and diseases that lead to health problems, which ultimately reduce their life span. While there is a myriad of healthy habits that may improve the quality of life, there are some that are geared to improving the length of your life.  

Exercise Regularly  

Moderate to intense exercise for 30 minutes each day has been linked to increased longevity. Not only does regular exercise help to maintain a healthy weight, but it also improves your cardiovascular health. To be effective, the exercise should get your heart rate up and keep it up for at least 30 minutes to help increase blood flow and give the heart the workout it needs.  

Quit Smoking 

It is estimated that the effects of smoking reduce life span an average of ten years. Smoking may lead to many chronic illnesses such as COPD, but might also lead to life-threatening illness, such as lung cancer. Regular smoking also may result in high blood pressure, and vascular constriction, which causes cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke. The good news is, that even those who have smoked may reduce their risk for major smoking-related problems and improve their longevity by quitting.  

Maintain a Healthy Weight 

Obesity is one of the number one causes of health problems and death in the United States. Overeating and a sedentary lifestyle lead to excess weight, which may put pressure on joints and internal organs. People who are obese might suffer from breathing complications, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. All of these issues might result in major organ failure, causing premature death. Diet should not only focus on limiting calories but also on including a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and protein so that the body has the fuel it needs to function correctly.  

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not always easy, but it is essential to help improve quality of life and increase overall longevity. Even starting small by making a few simple changes may help pave the way for longer life.  

Important Disclosures: 

All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. 

Sources 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2018/04/30/five-healthy-lifestyle-habits-can-extend-life-more-than-a-decade-study-suggests/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/daniellebrooker/2019/06/25/how-to-integrate-healthy-living-into-your-lifestyle-and-make-it-feel-easy/

Content Provider: WriterAccess 

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