There’s no guarantee in life, and genetics controls our lifespan to a large degree, but there’s a lot you can do to avoid the obvious pitfalls and help you have a good health span…so you’re fit and well until you croak, rather than spending years leaking from both ends.
The obvious one is don’t kill yourself. Suicide is the number one killer of young adults. If you feel depressed, get help. Talk to your mates, parents, family members, priests or whatever. (Arguably this shouldn’t be on the list since it guarantees you wont suffer when you get old because you won’t get old).
Don’t smoke. There is a shitload of evidence now that smoking is truly terrible for you in many, many ways. I’ve seen loved ones die of lung cancer and emphysema and it’s not pretty.
Don’t drink much. Really. Don’t make it a thing you do every night. Take it or leave it. Booze is really fattening too.
Don't take drugs. Obviously. And while you're at it, try to avoid medication generally.
Exercise. Make it a habit that you automatically do without thinking, like brushing your teeth. Just make sure you get a good sweat up four or more times a week. I recommend rowing, but whatever…as long as you consistently do it come rain or shine.
Learn self-discipline. It's a key that opens many doors.
Don’t eat too much, and avoid fast food. Eat little red meat. Learn to cook from scratch. Watch your weight.
Avoid stress. Work in a field that interests you and it won’t feel like work.
Do things you like and be nice to yourself and to the people you love. Get a pet.
Get plenty of sleep.
Here’s me, 69, with a resting heart rate of 38, 155 lbs. The above is how I’ve lived all my adult life. (My brother who did none of the above except #1, died when he was 57). Now I’ve said this, I’ll no doubt drop down dead tomorrow. Pride comes before the fall and all that. But I’ve done all I sensibly can to ensure I won’t suffer when I’m old…or maybe “now I’m old”.
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