TheCanadian Longitudinal Study on Aging报告说人们活得更长了。这项涉及5万多名加拿大参与者的国家研究项目的目标是确定健康和积极老龄化的关键决定因素，使这些额外的岁月值得活下去。
Researchers globally and in Canada have already pinpointed some critical lifestyle factors that contribute to better health, active aging and longer life:
1. Go for a walk most days.A 2017 study inThe Lancetreported that people who werephysically active for 30 minutes five days a week—whether walking, doing household chores or gardening—reduced their risk of dying prematurely by 25% and of developing heart disease. Led by a heart specialist at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, the study tracked 130,000 participants in 17 countries for seven years.
2. Engage in social activities.Seniors who socialized frequentlyenjoyed better health and quality of life,according Statistics Canada. A lack of social connection candisrupt sleep, raise blood pressureand increase an older person’s chance of premature death, reported a University of Chicago study.
3. Learn throughout life.Stimulating your brain with new learning is mental exercise that’s just as important as physical exercise. Continuing to learn each day will helpkeep your mind sharp, bolster memory and concentration,and lower your risk of dementia, according to Dalhousie University.
4. Eat healthy, nutrient-rich foods.As people age they need fewer calories, but as many or even more nutrients in some cases. A healthy diet, along with regular physical activity, can helpprevent or slow down the progress of diabetes, heart disease and some cancersaccording to the University of Regina.
5. Be positive about aging.A Yale University study found older adults who had a positive attitude towards aginglived more than seven years longerthan those with negative attitudes.
6. Help others by giving.People whovolunteered regularlylived longer, if their goal was to help others rather than just to feel better, according to aHealth Psychologystudy. Volunteering regularly is also associated withlowering blood pressure,reported Carnegie Mellon.
7. Nap for an hour a day.Napping for an hour in the afternoon is linked toimproved memory and ability to think clearly,and is better than no naps and shorter or longer naps, according to the美国老年病学协会杂志。Regular sleep patternsfor older adults are also associated with longer life, reported aFrontiers in Aging Neurosciencestudy.