Secret #49 Follow the Lessons of Healthy 90 Year Olds

UC Irvine is heading a celebrated research project that is documenting what factors determine who will live past age 90. Here are some of their findings:

• Smokers die earlier than non-smokers
• People who exercise live longer than those who do not. As little as 15 minutes a day makes a difference. Forty five minutes a day is best.
• Non-physical activities are also important. Think book clubs, meeting friends for coffee, crossword puzzles.
• Vitamins do not seem to make a difference.
• Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with living longer. Up to two drinks a day leads to a 10-15 percent reduced risk of death.
• Coffee is good too — 1-3 cups a day.
• Gain a little weight — people who are average or slightly overweight seem to live longer than those who are underweight.

If you want to know more about this retirement research, “60 Minutes” did an excellent report on “Living to 90 and Beyond.”

Secret #50 Stay Inquisitive About the World Around You