Genes are not all when it comes to surviving for a long time. Research has shown that you can make a variety of easy lifestyle improvements that can help prolong your existence, and some of them can surprise you.

Pensioners In Scotland Take Part In A Local Tea Dance
(Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 22: Senior Citizens participate in the Kelvinside weekly tea dance, 22 February 2005, Glasgow, Scotland. There are 11.22 million pensioners in the UK - 4.19 million men and 7.03 million women. The so-called 'grey' vote will be important in the forthcoming election, with all the major political parties canvassing senior citizens' votes.

So, how is it feasible to live longer? It is vital to remain mentally healthy and to keep your immune system healthy.

To support you live a long life, here are several ways:

Exercise

The idea that physical exercise is healthy for you is no mystery. Exercise helps you sustain stable body weight and reduces your blood pressure, all of which relate to heart well-being. The world's leading cause of death is a decreased chance of heart failure.

Drink Moderately

The latest study indicates that it can help improve lifespan to partake in one to three glasses of some form of alcohol per day. Studies have also shown that heavy drinkers tend to have a greater chance of early death than light drinkers, as do abstainers.

Avoid Stress

Stress triggers a drug named cortisol to be released from the body. This hormone can raise blood pressure and induce abdominal fat storage at high levels, all of which can contribute to an elevated risk of heart disease.

Avoid Watching Television Too Much

A 2008 report showed that those who watch six hours of TV a day are expected to die 4.8 years younger than someone who doesn't, on average. It also noticed that every hour of TV viewed reduces life expectancy by 22 minutes after the age of 25.

Television facilitates the world's inactivity and disengagement, which can both reduce the lifetime.

Eat Red Meat Less

Consumption of red meat is related to an increased chance of cancer and heart failure. Swapping the steaks with healthier proteins, such as fish, will improve durability.

If you can't bear the thought of a steak-free life, health advantages can also be incurred by your intake of fewer than two to three servings a week.

ALSO READ: How Can Gaining Weight Help People Live a Longer Life?

Don't smoke

It's not quite a revelation here. Alcohol, which you already know well, greatly raises the cancer risk.

Get a pet

Getting a furry-friend contributes to reduced depression, improved tolerance, and a reduced risk of cardiac disease. They will even inspire you to be more healthy, based on the form of a pet.

Drink Coffee 

A correlation between coffee consumption and longer life has been identified in studies. Although the reasons for this are not completely obvious, the high antioxidant levels of coffee may play a role. However, note, soaking your cup of joe in sugar and whipped cream may negate any health advantages it could have.

Eat Less

Japan has the world's longest total life span, and the Japanese-natives of the Ryukyu Islands-stop eating when they are 80 percent complete, the longest living. Limiting calorie consumption ensures that the body is less tired overall.

Meditate

Meditation contributes to the elimination of depression and the decreasing of blood pressure. Study shows that it may also improve the activity of a longevity-associated enzyme.

It can provide major health effects and even prolong your life by spending as little as 15 minutes a day finding your zen.

Holding a good weight

Being overweight places tension on your digestive system, which raises your heart attack risk. It can raise the risk of cancer as well. It is vital for cardiac health and lives a long and stable life to maintain a healthy weight.

ALSO READ: People May Live Longer But Sicker -- Study


Check out more news and information on Medicine and Health on Science Times.