The Three Secrets to long life

Time published an article 9 Secrets to Living Longer. The secrets included the following:

1. Your personality affects how long you’ll live.
2. Your diet matters. A lot.
3. Of course, genetics are a factor too.
4. Staying in school will add a few years.
5. Work stress isn’t bad for you, necessarily.
6. But it helps to be mindful.
7. You don’t have to be a Pollyanna.
8. Being social is critical.
9. Sitting a lot is probably the worst thing you can do.

9 secrets seem like a lot to remember and so I distilled them down to three:

1. Eat well and exercise
2. Focus on your health
3. Be social

Let's go through our list:

1. Eat well and exercise

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. and worldwide. The main risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, and smoking. High cholesterol is best combatted through diet, exercise, and the use of statins. For high blood pressure, it is recommended that you follow a healthy diet, be physically active, quit smoking and manage your stress. The risk from type 2 diabetes and obesity can be reduced through diet and exercise. It is pretty clear that there is a theme here which is why eating well and exercising (along with quitting smoking) are emphasized in any plan to reduce CVD risk.

2. Focus on your health

Cancer is the number two cause of death in the U.S. The best way not to die of cancer is to avoid it. The rates of cancer incidence and mortality are declining because of increased screening and a decrease in cancer-causing behaviors i.e. smoking. The key is focusing on your health and being vigilant about following the recommended precautions. For example, the colorectal cancer rate has dropped 30% over the last decade because of colonoscopies; remember to get one when you turn 50. To minimize your risk of breast cancer the American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms and regular breast self-exams. Lung cancer is still the number one killer among cancers; it can be best avoided by not smoking.

3. Be social

Your family and friends are your best aids for succeeding with Secrets 1 and 2. They can offer encouragement and reminders as well as join you in participating in a healthy lifestyle. In addition, social engagement is good for mental health.

There are no guarantees in life but if you want to maximize your longevity be mindful of the Three Secrets.

Figure 1. The three keys to a long life.