This content is for information and inspiration purposes only. It should not be taken as financial or investment advice. To receive personalised, regulated financial advice please consult us here at Elmfield Financial Planning in Padiham, Burnley, Lancashire.
How many people do you know who lived to be 100 years old? According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 15,120 centenarians in 2020 – 18% more than the previous year.
Is it just luck of the draw, or do you have a say over whether you live to 100? The science suggests that we have at least some degree of control, by making good lifestyle choices.
As financial planners in Burnley, Lancashire, our team has had the pleasure of working with some fascinating older clients. Below, we share some of their insights – and some scientific research – into what promotes a long life.
Get enough rest
The UK has become a very sleep-deprived nation. Over 7.5 million people (14%) sleep for less than five hours a night, on average. Doctors largely view this as quite dangerous.
Not only does sleep deprivation worsen your cognitive abilities (e.g. driving safely), but it can also lower your life expectancy. One study suggests that getting less than 5 hours of sleep per night could increase your mortality risk by 15%.
If you struggle to get good sleep, there are lots of methods you can try. For instance, try not to go to bed hungry, or stuffed. Limit daytime naps and try not to drink too much caffeine, especially in the afternoon.
Be responsible with smoking and drinking
It is well-known that tobacco causes premature death. Studies show that smoking persistently can lower your life expectancy by 10 years compared to a non-smoker.
Fortunately, stopping before the age of 40 can reduce the risk by 90%. For older people, the returns of quitting start to diminish, but it is still a very healthy lifestyle choice.
Alcohol can also affect life expectancy. There is some evidence to suggest that moderate consumption could help some people de-stress and live longer. However, excessive drinking (e.g. 25 drinks per week) can lead to a reduction in life expectancy by 5 years or more.
Manage your stress
We all get stressed from time to time. However, chronic and heavy stress is associated with poorer health – e.g. increased risk of cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders – which can lower your lifespan.
There are many positive steps we can take to cope better with stress. For some people, you may need to limit your exposure to TV news and social media. Sometimes, taking more time to “unwind” – doing something you enjoy – can be a huge boost.
Others may need to take more drastic action. For instance, poor working conditions – e.g. a stressful workplace, perhaps due to a toxic culture – could take as much as 33 years off your life. Here, a change of job may be necessary to protect your health.
Keep your mind active
The jury is still out on the scientific research about how your lifespan is affected by “keeping your mind sharp” (e.g. with puzzles, reading and mentally-challenging tasks). However, it is unlikely to hurt and many of our clients report the positive benefits of doing so.
Some people enjoy doing crossword puzzles, playing strategy games (e.g. board games or computer games) or other games that rely on logic, memory mathematics and visuospatial skills such as Sodoku.
Stay sociable
Did you know that, the happier a person generally is, the longer he/she is likely to live? For instance, they will have a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and declines in lung capacity and function.
Loneliness – the lack of close relationships – is one of three primary factors which affect human happiness (the other two are a job you love doing, and helping others). Thus, it follows that staying sociable and fostering close relationships can help you live longer.
This can be a challenge, especially as you get older. Your adult children start to live more independent lives – perhaps having careers, relationships and children of their own, leaving less time for you. Your own parents, siblings and old friends might die over the years. Yet do not allow such losses to prevent you from forging new, close relationships in retirement.
There are lots of opportunities to make new friends, naturally. You could try attending a religious service, joining an activity group (e.g. a walking club) or enrolling in continuing education such as an evening language class or dance class.
Stay as healthy as you can
It is generally not sustainable, or wise, to obsess about food. However, a healthier diet is certainly going to have a positive impact on most people’s lifespans.
Limiting or cutting out trans fats (“bad cholesterol”), such as many fast or fried foods, is often a good starting point. Aiming for greater balance in your diet can also help. The NHS recommends higher fibre starchy carbohydrates, fruit and veg and fish (especially oily fish).
Exercise also helps. The NHS suggests aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week for people aged 19-64. This can lower your risk of major illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer.
Invitation
If you are interested in starting a conversation about your own financial plan or investments, then we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us to arrange a free, no-commitment consultation with a member of our team here at Elmfield Financial Planning in Padiham, Burnley, Lancashire.
Reach us via:
T: 01282 772938
