According to a recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Dietetics, living a healthy lifestyle can add fifteen years to a middle aged woman’s life and eight to nine years to a middle aged man’s life. Living a healthy lifestyle consists of consuming a Mediterranean diet, regular exercise, no smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.

A Mediterranean diet is based on a heart-healthy meal plan which emphasizes consumption of plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. It also focuses on the use of olive oil as the primary source of fat along with using herbs and spices instead of salt for flavor. This diet also promotes consumption of fish and poultry at least twice a week.  Red meats are limited to no more than a few times a month. A moderate amount of wine, no more than 5 ounces daily for men and women over age 65, is included in this meal plan. Researchers suggest that drinking wine in moderation helps reduce the risk of heart disease. In general the Mediterranean diet has been associated with reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Regular exercise and physical activity promote physical fitness, overall health and wellness. Other important benefits include prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Regular physical activity and exercise also prevent depression, low self-esteem, help with weight loss or stability and boost the immune system. To sum it up, exercising does not only make an individual feel better and gain enjoyment, but more importantly helps provide numerous health benefits. Therefore, set aside 30 minutes or more a day of physical activity or exercise to add years to your life.

Statistics show that nearly one of every five deaths each year in the United States is caused by cigarette smoking. Studies also show that cigarette smoking destroys every organ in the body causing many diseases including cancers of the lung, throat, esophagus, and larynx along with chronic bronchitis and emphysema, heart disease and more.  Needless to say, smoking can shorten your life dramatically.

Maintaining a healthy weight that is right for your body type and height is another good way of promoting a healthy lifestyle. You can measure healthy weight based on body mass index or BMI. It is believed that an individual with a BMI between 19 and 24.9 who practices healthy eating and exercises regularly may live longer than an individual who has a BMI of 30 or more, smokes, eats unhealthy, and lives a sedentary life.

In order to add years to your life, you must seriously consider choosing a healthy lifestyle. It is a commitment, but in return may lead you to a longer life!