While many factors impacting life expectancy are out of our control, such as genetics, age and race, there are several things we can do to increase our longevity.
For example, lifestyle choices including diet, physical activity, sociability, substance use, smoking status and alcohol consumption all play their part.
A husband and wife who have reached 98 and 94, respectively, shared how they have reached such impressive ages.
In conversation with TikTok account Sprouht (@sprouht) in 2024, the couple revealed that they "get out every day" and spend time with their four children - the eldest being their 75-year-old daughter.
The nonagenarians go for a walk every morning and spend time with their children
TikTok / @sprouht
Answering the question, 'What is happiness?', the 94-year-old stated: "Living and enjoying everything around you."
She added that they enjoy morning walks and try to "take one day at a time".
Daily activity is hailed by experts as an effective key to longevity, and getting out in fresh air is also crucial.
An article entitled, 'The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes', published in the National Library of Medicine, confirmed that increased greenspace exposure has excellent health benefits.
An examination of data revealed "statistically significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure, salivary cortisol and heart rate" and "statistically significant decreases in incidence of diabetes, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality".
Maintaining some level of activity is crucial as you get older. Indeed, one doctor named two essential physical skills to develop for longevity, emphasising that they could "save your life".
Speaking about the immense health benefits of walking, a chiropractic doctor urged people to develop the daily habit.
Indeed, Dr Alan Mandell said on YouTube: "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."
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Being outside in nature and clocking up your daily steps is great for longevity
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As for social interaction, the 94 and 98-year-old's fondness of spending time with family could play a significant role in their longevity.
Indeed, an article entitled 'Crucial factors affecting longevity', published in The Lancet, reads: "In The Lancet Health Longevity, Jun Wang and colleagues propose a unique score to define an active lifestyle, including physical, mental and social activities.
"This definition of an active life including social activities is an important reminder that social connections have a vital role in the maintenance of brain function."
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