How to Extend Your Life

I write a series here at Free Money Finance called More Important than Money. So far, I've detailed several things that I think are more important than money including health, time, your mind and your children. But now, here's a piece that covers something that I'm sure we all can agree is REALLY more important than money: our lives (and living longer).

As such, I wanted to share an article starting on page 67 of June's issue of Smart Money magazine. It lists how you can extend your life. Smart Money summarizes it into five simple tips -- each with an estimate of how many years it will add to your life. Here's their list:

• Manage your weight. Potential longevity gain: 6 to 7 years.

• Lower your blood pressure. Potential longevity gain: 5 years.

• Exercise. Potential longevity gain: 1.3 to 3.7 years.

• Quit smoking. Potential longevity gain: 10 years.

• Think positive. Potential longevity gain: 10 years.

Very interesting list to be sure. Here are my thoughts:

1. I'm surprised that the years saved for exercising is so low. Now I guess it also helps with managing your weight and keeping your blood pressure down, so maybe it has the impact of up to 15 years or so if it can make all of the first three happen. Does this make sense?

2. Where's proper nutrition on the list? Again, I suspect it's part of the first two.

3. I've said my piece about smoking and how you need to quit. Save your money and 10 years of your life by stopping today.

4. It's interesting that the positive people live longer. In fact, the article says "attitude is a better predictor [of longevity] than exercise or smoking." So, if you're going to smoke and be a slouch, for heaven's sake, please be positive about it! ;-)

Comments

[Sheila Scarborough]

Yep, the oldies but goodies remain the same for health....my summary phrase is "stop eating crap and go work out." Carbs, metabolism, genes, fats, blah blah blah aren't the problem.

The only thing that's ever worked for me is exercise, which then seems to lead me to eat better as well.

There's no other magic trick. Only easy thing you can do to live longer: fasten your seat belt.

[Andrew]

I'm not too surprised by the list. Another I want to add is learning to forgive. I am currently reading a book called "Forgive For Good" by Dr. Fred Luskin. Not holding on to a "grievance story" as he puts it or basically holding a grudge will help you live longer and also be happier. I encourage everyone to read the book.