We all want to live long happy, healthy lives and there are certain habits that we can incorporate into our lives to help us achieve that.  So, today we are going to talk about the habits we can start to increase longevity.  It takes 14 to 21 days to form a new habit, and it’s never too late to form healthy habits to replace bad habits.  I have personally found that when you are trying to rid yourself of a bad habit, it must be replaced with a healthy habit in order for it to work and stick in your life.  Maine-ly Elder Care has come up with a list of daily habits that you can start today. 

• The first habit you can start to incorporate into your life is to try to eat five small meals a day.  When you eat smaller portions throughout the day, you deliver a steady stream of nutrients, blood sugar and energy to your body through out the day.  This can make a difference in your energy levels as well as your metabolism. 
• Get regular exercise- Exercising 30 minutes a day not only increases longevity, but it maintains physical health versus trying to get it back!  You can start by simply taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
• This one is my favorite- laugh it up-studies show that laughter and joy boost immune functions and actually produce cells that help protect the body from illness. Having a positive attitude can increase your chances of living to 100!
• Build and maintain strong relationships-People who create and maintain a strong social support network of friends and family avoid loneliness and depression.  Healthy relationship building consists of having multiple circles of relationships and also having relationships in different age groups. 
• Get enough sleep- a good night’s sleep is an important healthy habit that can add years to your life.  You should try to get between six hours of sleep a night.
• Keep a routine- Consuming the same diet and participating in the same activities for the majority of one’s life keeps the immune system healthy and strong.  It can be as simple as going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday.  

More and more people are living to 100 and adopting a few simple healthy habits can lead to a greater longevity and also make a long life a lot more enjoyable. 

~Denise Stevens RN, CEO