How to Live Past 90 Years of Age

There's living, and then there's living well. Everyone's definition of living well is different, and some people truly enjoy things that are considered bad for them. Finding joy in life is more difficult that any of us would like, so I try not to make people who pass through my clinic feel bad about any behavior they engage in, no matter how unhealthy. That behavior might be the one thing that's making their life bearable.

Aside from this highly individual and subtle emotional truth, there are, unfortunately, objective measures that tell us that certain behaviors are bad for our bodies. Smoking is one of those behaviors. Don't get me wrong, I used to smoke and I used to truly enjoy it. But studies show that smokers are twice as likely to die before the age of 90 than non-smokers.

Smoking is just one example. Others include binge drinking, drug use, riding a motorcycle, and unprotected sex. These things feels good when you are doing them, but the odds of them shortening your lifespan are high.

If living a long and healthy life is something you are interested in doing, engaging in these five behaviors will increase your odds and keep you feeling great for the years you do hang around, according to a recent study published in the Chicago Tribune.

1. Don't Smoke - Again, you are twice as likely to die before the age of 90 if you do. At this point, everyone knows the risks. Just be sure that if you are doing it, you are will ing to accept the consequences.

2. Keep a Healthy Weight - Obesity increases your risk of dying young, and it also increases your likelihood of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

3. Avoid High Blood Pressure - This puts a strain on your cardiovascular system and increases your risk of both heart attack and stroke. There are natural treatments for mild high blood pressure, but anything with a systolic number higher than 140 needs to be medicated. Seriously.

4. Exercise Regularly - This study found that participants who exercised regularly decreased their risk of dying by 20 to 30 percent. Get active and stay active.

5. Avoid Diabetes - This disease increased participant's chance of dying before age 90 by 86 percent.

Sure this study has some flaws, it only studied men and advice like "avoid diabetes" sounds like hurtful b.s. to someone who actually has diabetes, but the message is clear and simple: take care of your body just like you would take care of a classic car. Give it top quality fuel, take it out for a joyride regularly. Don't go to fast, don't go too slow. Keep it in the garage when you aren't driving it. Check the fluids, get a tune-up.

I used to smoke, and quitting was one of the hardest things that I ever did. I did it when I was young because I was angry, and then it turned into this pseudo-friend that would keep me company no questions asked. I know that quitting is hard - I help people do it all the time - but it's one of the most worthwhile things you can do to improve your health.