How to live longer: Doctor shares simple ways to add years to your life - 'cover the basics'
Going back to the basics is being suggested as one of the best things to add years to your life
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With several different routes to adding years to your life, it can become confusing as to what path to follow and what steps to take to increase your longevity.
Many different foods and health tips are recommended which may appear complex to follow or get your hands on a product sold.
Medical director of Longevity Center Switzerland, Dr Christine Pfeiffer advised people on what longevity is and the basic steps people can take to extend their lifespan.
The doctor said: "Longevity is not solely about lifespan (adding years to life) but truly about health-span. The period during which the body remains in full functional health, free from chronic diseases.
Regular physical activity is a core component of longevity
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"Extending healthspan is the primary goal of longevity and the main focus of our centres. We focus on understanding and eliminating risk factors of diseases and addressing various hallmarks of ageing in many different ways."
The doctor explained that everyone is different which makes it difficult to pinpoint exact methods for longevity, and no tips can guarantee results. She said: "There are many companies and scientists focusing on finding the one magic pill for longevity, but the truth is that today there is no universal solution for all. We are all very different in the way we age. This is very much dependent on our genetics but far more on our epigenetic factors."
Yet, there are practical measures you can take which Dr Pfeiffer recommended.
She advised: "What we know works is the combination of an anti-inflammatory diet rich in natural ingredients, regular physical activity that supports muscular strength and endurance, proper sleep hygiene, stress resilience as well as healthy social connections. Rest is very personalised and should be recommended based on regular health checkups."
Further to adding practical implements to your life, the doctor suggested being social with people is "very important."
She said: "[Studies] suggest that building healthy social connections, including positive connection with ourselves has an enormous impact on our mental state and our ageing process."
The doctor emphasised focusing on the basics of leading a healthy life to increase longevity.
Dr Pfeiffer said: "What is surprising is that we are overcomplicating this topic looking for some science fiction solutions, before we cover the basics.
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Seven to eight hours of sleep is a necessity for longevity
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"One important recommendation is do not die of something stupid, something preventable. Do regular checkups in order to address the problem early.
"We also forget about very simple solutions like regular sleep (seven to eight hours) which is the most efficient recovery and regeneration technology existing.
"If we want to make it more high tech there is also a lot of technology which is helping us to manage good quality of sleep, from sleep trackers to special beds with special cooling mats to help us to sleep better.
"The more important recommendation in all those activities. Find your own routine and enjoy the process. Our path to longevity should be a fun and enjoyable experience."
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