4 Ways to Add 7 Years to Your Life
1. Get a Pet
Independent research sponsored by several different organizations shows that owning a pet can add up to 7 years to your life. This is because pets provide companionship and help reduce stress levels, which in turn decreases the chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Dog owners are also more likely to get daily exercise, an important factor in staying fit and fighting several weight-related diseases. Finally, pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression. Owning a pet forces you to get out of bed every day, even if you don't feel like it. The feelings of unconditional love and companionship are also intrinsically related to counteracting depression.
2. Fight Stress
Stress weakens your immune systems, makes you more prone to illness and addictions and less likely to live a productive, healthy life. If you are suffering from stress, there are ways to deal with it, even if you cannot directly solve the situation that is causing the stress in the first place. To lessen stress, first sit down and analyze the situation you're in and see whether there's anything you can do to take some pressure off, such as delegating tasks to colleagues, asking for a friend's help or hiring a professional to help. Next, find a way to deal with your physical and emotional reaction to stress. Exercise and meditation increase the release of endorphins (the "feel good" chemicals) and improve oxygen flow, releasing accumulated stress. Having a varied list of interests also helps: if you run into problems at work, you could find release by meeting with friends, taking an evening class or exploring your hobbies.
3. Eat Your Veggies
Peer studies published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition show that vegetarians have a longer life expectancy than meat eaters. Saturated (animal) fats increase the chances of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and a series of degenerative diseases. While becoming a vegetarian may not be an option for everybody, there's no reason why you shouldn't try upping your intake of fruits and vegetables while reducing the amount of animal products in your daily diet. To get started, aim for at least three to four meatless meals a week. You can use meat substitutes, such as tofu and beans, or simply focus on complex carbohydrates, salads and healthy vegetable fats such as olive oil. If you are not particularly fond of vegetables, try hiding them in sauces, soups and casseroles.
4. Stop Your Bad Habits and Develop Good Ones
The best way to add years to your life is to avoid doing anything to shorten it. If you smoke, stop. Limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink a day for women and two for men. Control portion sizes, and eat only when you're hungry. Wear your seat belt, drive the speed limit, and if you must do some bungee jumping, be sure your cord is strong enough and short enough.
Member Comments
by kxgen on June 17, 2008 at 4:56 PM
Great article! I have two dogs, and they take me on two mile walks every morning. Even longer walks during the weekends because they know I have that much more time to spare.
by SandraLM on June 17, 2008 at 8:32 PM
I also have 2 dogs. I don't walk them daily but they certainly keep me moving. I've only had them for just over a year but they have literally saved my sanity. I was a very depressed and unhappy person. Although I've always loved animals I've never been a fanatic. I was given a chance to 'rescue' an abused Maltese. I couldn't say no. I may have saved them, but more importantly - they saved me.
by jhammondjj on June 24, 2008 at 8:24 PM
I have a great little dog. Last year I was told I had a brain tumor. That scared the hell out me.
I decided to get a small dog to be a companion. I was really scared and I did not tell my family
about my illness.So I thought if I get him, Chewy. He will motivate me to move and get up. And he
is great. He loves to see me when I get back from work. We go out for walks and eventhough some-
times I yell at him. He forgives me and we move forward.
by SonyGoa on September 14, 2008 at 11:13 PM
nice to read a touchy comment from you for the mans best friend
by jhammondjj on June 24, 2008 at 8:24 PM
I have a great little dog. Last year I was told I had a brain tumor. That scared the hell out me.
I decided to get a small dog to be a companion. I was really scared and I did not tell my family
about my illness.So I thought if I get him, Chewy. He will motivate me to move and get up. And he
is great. He loves to see me when I get back from work. We go out for walks and eventhough some-
times I yell at him. He forgives me and we move forward.
by woodbat on August 5, 2008 at 7:38 AM
I always knew that if I looked long and hard enough I'd find something of value in these lazy animals that have taken me in ;>)
by morgen on August 6, 2008 at 8:44 AM
Because I foster and do rescue I've ended up with 7 unadoptable dogs (reasons varies from fear, fear agression, hip and leg problems, etc). The stress relief isn't cumulative, in fact they tend to stress me out a bit 'cuz they don't always get along
by robsgurl21 on October 1, 2008 at 6:07 AM
yeah well, obviousely thats not what they meant. a pet does make someone happier. you need to get rid of some of them because having too many that you dont want is stressful. so don't try to prove them wrong for something thats right. they have good points. and you need to get over it because that was your choice to play doggie rescuer.
by angela49 on October 27, 2008 at 7:03 AM
I was never really a dog lover until Bandit stumbled into our lives. We gave him a home and he gave us a jolt of extra love in our home. How could that NOT be healthy?
by swimvet on December 28, 2008 at 6:51 AM
Having a cat snuggle up and purr on your lap is relaxing indeed!
by kmety27 on January 21, 2009 at 7:42 AM
I agree, there is nothing better than cuddling with an animal
by jennincat on January 24, 2009 at 9:33 AM
My kitty helps keep my stress levels low!
by tmpadmin on February 12, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Remember they will get old and pass on before you (in most cases). After 15 years with a pet you can grow quite attached and if their decline is not rapid and you do not have the heart to put them down, those last few months or even years can be very stressful, depressing, financially difficult, etc. I have even known people to slip and hurt themselves because the dog can no longer control their bladder as they once did. It is a whole new world with a senior dog.
by mcj1970 on February 17, 2009 at 6:44 AM
We have two labs at home and they are loyal companions to us. They will take whatever we have to offer them in the form of petting or walking with them. They are two great dogs who will be hard to replace when the time comes.
by saabguy328 on February 25, 2009 at 12:31 PM
I have an older female cat who's been a great pet. I've decided when she passes away, I'll probably get a dog. That will make me get off my duff and give the animal a daily walk.
by writerprolific on March 12, 2009 at 12:15 AM
would you ever cremate your cat? I was thinking that might be a good idea when my cat passes.
by laurasuess on March 31, 2009 at 8:33 AM
I already do all of these things and still look and feel old. Now what? Does it mean if I stop doing any or all of them I will suddenly look 7 years older? How did they get 7 years instead of 5 or 10 anyway?
by The_One on April 11, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Well this article is not meant to make you LOOK 7 years younger, it is meant to ADD 7 years to your life. So if you stop doing these things you will shorten your life by 7 years.
by iggy_11 on April 24, 2009 at 12:33 PM
puppy ! (:
yayayayayay ! :D
i have one , be jealouse ! (;
by iggy_11 on April 24, 2009 at 12:33 PM
puppy ! (:
yayayayayay ! :D
i have one , be jealouse ! (;