Have Fun While Aging Well and Living Longer

A healthy lifestyle doesn't have to mean treadmills and salads every day. Many activities that are fun and pleasurable are also good for you. By understanding how these activities can help you live longer and what to do to get the most benefits, you'll be putting some fun into healthy living.

1

Have More Sex

Senior couple laughing in bed — Bloom Productions / Getty Images

Sex and touching are thought to be essential parts of health. Sex releases an assortment of beneficial chemicals in the body. Sex and touching help us bond with others, strengthen relationships, and increase our own self-worth. Frequent sex may even extend your life by years.

2

Drink Red Wine

Senior men drinking wine together — Chris Ryan / Caiaimage / Getty Images

Red wine is packed with resveratrol, an antioxidant. These work to protect your body against the effects of aging. One or two glasses of red wine a day can help keep your body young.

3

Eat Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate on a silver plate — Silvia Jansen / Getty Images

Dark chocolate is a wonderful food that contains a large amount of antioxidants that protect your body from aging. Find good-quality dark chocolate, learn to appreciate it, and have a bit of it each day. Eating chocolate may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol while providing an energy boost.

4

Smile

Senior women smiling at something on a tablet — Jose Luis Pelaez Inc. / Getty Images

Smiling is a great way to change your attitude, connect with people and give benefit to your body. Like relaxation, smiling can work to counteract the effects of stress. By forcing ourselves to smile, we "trick" our body into believing that everything is good, thereby reducing stress. Like a switch, smiling can actually change your mood. So put a smile on, even if you don't feel like it, and pretty soon you'll be smiling for real.

5

Relax

Mature woman meditating in her living room — Jose Luis Pelaez Inc. / Getty Images

Relaxation is the opposite of stress. While stress brings harmful health effects, relaxation helps our bodies to rest, heal, and function better. By practicing daily relaxation techniques, you can train yourself to turn off your stress and replace it with calm energy. This will improve your blood pressure, heart rate, and ability to cope with life's challenges.

6

Make Exercise Play

Older men playing basketball — Jon Feingersh / Getty Images

Physical games and sports are a great way to keep both your body and mind healthy. Simple exercise routines are great for maintaining balance, flexibility, endurance, and strength. Group games and sports can give your mind a workout as well, as you anticipate other people's actions and how to work together. Find a game or activity that suits your level of physical ability and play often.

7

Sleep

Sleep is an essential body function. Most Americans do not get enough sleep. Medications, stress, illness, and poor sleep habits can all prevent you from getting between 7 and 9 hours a night. The health benefits of sleep include improved energy, better immune function, and more.

8

Spend Time With Loved Ones

Grandmother digging in the sand with her grandson on a beach — Leren Lu / Getty Images

Relationships are an important part of health. Not only do strong bonds with other people mean you will have help when you need it, but being connected also means protection from loneliness, depression, and mental illness. Spend time cultivating your relationships with friends and family to improve your health and your life.

9

Solve Puzzles and Play Brain Games

Close-up of senior woman filling out the crossword — Peter Dazeley / Getty Images

Mind games are a great way to stay involved and engaged in the world. Games exercise different parts of your mind and entice your curiosity. If possible, choose social games like chess or bridge that exercise your brain while keeping you connected with others.

10

Be Positive

Senior couple driving in a classic convertable — Peathegee Inc. / Getty Images

Having a positive attitude about aging can add more than seven years to your life, according to researchers. Avoid the cultural push to glorify youth and regret each passing year. Find ways to take pleasure in your increasing age and maturity, and enjoy greater learning, experience, and control in your life.