14 Surprising Signs You'll Live Longer Than You Think

In the 20th century, the average life expectancy shot up 30 years--the greatest gain in 5,000 years of human history. And Centenarians--folks who make it into the triple digits--aren't such an exclusive club anymore, increasing 51% from 1990 to 2000.

How to account for these dramatic leaps? Advances in health, education, and disease prevention and treatments are high on the list--and that makes sense. But what you may not know is that seemingly unimportant everyday habits, or circumstances in your past, can influence how long and how well you'll live. Here, the latest research on longevity--science-based signs you're on a long-life path, plus tips on how to get on track.

Keep reading...

-OR-

Find out the 9 healthy habits that will help you live to be 100...

-OR-

...Why running helps you live longer.

Comments

[krocklin]

I often wondered why life expectancy has increased so rapidly, especially in first world countries.
The answer is NOT improved medical treatments. If you can go your whole life AVOIDING doctors you will probably live much longer.
All the high tech tests, X-rays, radical surgeries and prescription drugs do NOT extend our life expectancy. If it did Americans would be the healthiest and longest living people on the planet, which they are not by a longshot.
So what is the answer? Two things: awareness of germs and improved hygiene; and especially the invention of the toilet about 1850. Also the widespread use of soap and increased washing.
A third thing might be better heating and shelter.
There is no correlation between going to doctors and subjecting yourself to endless tests (many of which are harmful to your health), taking pills and undergoing operations and long life and good health.

[GoVeg]

I want to live as long as I can to practice meditation, that's our purpose on earth, to know our real self.

[krocklin]

If only this concept were more ingrained in our culture, selfishness and materialism would be greatly lessened.

[gevan]

If we can get our physical bodies to last longer, will we be able to afford the upkeep? Or will the McDonalds' of the future fill up with 90-year-olds behind the counter?

[desertdweller]

This photo had to have been taken in Havana on the same street as La Bodegita del Medio where Hemingway used to drink his mojitos.

[gfk]

Is it just me or does anyone else think the photo with this story looks like Amy Winehouse in a few years?

[ptillen]

Girls, let this be a lesson. See what happens when they try to make you go to rehab and you say no, no, no?

[happycat]

OMG!!!! I did not read the article, but when I saw the pic that is exactly who I thought it was!

[Tamoomoo]

There is no way in hell I want to live to 100!

[RaWash]

err.. who wants live long anyway?

[SBrooksB]

My sentiments exactly.

[Halsey]

Sadly....I too would never want to live into my "100's"...(course..ask me again "if" I read 90)..

but the pure economics of it...well...impossible...I do not want to live in some horrid retirement home with bedsores.. my 401k...HA....there's s joke...social security...forgettaboutit...no way 20 year olds will want to pay to keep "us" around..to what purpose..

Sorry..having a downer moment...but even on good day...I think...80 sounds fine..

[sophieozz]

If you're healthy and maintain purpose, passion and curiosity, I suppose it's easier to stick around.

[AZBunny]

WHO can afford to live in the triple digits. I don't know how I'm going to afford to ever retire. I don't think I want to be 104 and working at Walmart. NO THANKS! I'm tired of working now.

[AnalyzeIT]

You visualize "it" and make "it" so.................