4 tips for a longer, healthier life

During a panel discussion about how women can reclaim their midlife, Debra Whitman, executive vice president and chief public policy officer at AARP and author of The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyondshared with us four things you can do if you want to live longer, healthier lives – that everyone, not just women, can benefit from.

1. Maintain healthy habits

Whitman told Assets During the MPW Summit, we pointed out that the foundation for a long, healthy life always comes down to the essentials: not drinking too much, not smoking, eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising. These habits alone can help you live 10 years longer, she said, while improving your overall health.

2. Strong relationships are vital

Whitman brought up one of Harvard’s largest studies on healthy aging, which found that participants with the best health outcomes “had really strong relationships and friendships throughout their lives.”

“Your relationships are actually an important indicator of health and happiness,” Whitman said Assets.

3. Have a sense of purpose

Having goals “can reduce our chances of dying by half,” Whitman said. Research shows that a sense of purpose can improve sleep, immune system and stress levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. These three factors each play a critical role in overall health and longevity. It can also lead to an overall greater sense of fulfillment and meaning in our daily lives.

4. Think positively about aging

According to Whitman, one of the most important things people should do is change their attitudes toward aging. When aging is viewed positively, health is more robust, the likelihood of a heart attack is reduced, the risk of dementia is lower and brain volume is larger, she said.

A Harvard study of more than 14,000 adults confirmed what Whitman said: Participants who were most satisfied with aging had a 43% lower risk of dying from any cause over four years, compared to those who were were least satisfied.

“The biggest thing you can do for your health is to change the way you think about your future,” Whitman said.

More information about aging well: