How to live longer: Doctor names exercise that is 'the best thing for your heart' and 'strengthens bones'

The chiropractic doctor instructed people to "start walking", listing the myriad of benefits this activity can provide.

He said: "It's the best thing for your heart, it will lower blood pressure, it will strengthen your bones, you will live longer, your mood will be better, you'll lose weight, you'll strengthen muscles, it will help your sleep and it will support your joints."

You do not have to run or spend hours in the gym to see the benefits of exercise.

Indeed, the NHS advocates for walking as part of a healthy lifestyle. Experts advised: "Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier.

"Sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise, walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier.

"You do not have to walk for hours. A brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your 150 minutes of weekly exercise, as recommended in the physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64."

The NHS has plenty of information on walking for health, including what to know before you start, how to know if you're walking fast enough and what to do if you aren't very active.

Walking is also hailed as a weight loss strategy. According to a fitness expert, it is the "number one" exercise if you want to lose belly fat "for good".

Benefits of walking

• Longevity
• Cardiovascular health
• Lower blood pressure
• Stronger bones
• Mood improvement
• Weight loss
• Muscle strength
• Better sleep
• Supported joints

According to a naturopathic doctor, improving your eating habits is another step to living longer.

An expert advised people to enjoy a plant-based diet that is high in two foods "key" to longevity.

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Harvard Medical School explained that a plant-based diet does not necessarily mean cutting out meat and animal products entirely.

Experts stated: "Plant-based or plant-forward eating patterns focus on foods primarily from plants.

"This includes not only fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans.

"It doesn't mean that you are vegetarian or vegan and never eat meat or dairy. Rather, you are proportionately choosing more of your foods from plant sources."