Healthy Aging Fun Ways to Live Longer By Mark Stibich, PhD twitter linkedin Mark Stibich, PhD, FIDSA, is a behavior change expert with experience helping individuals make lasting lifestyle improvements. Learn about our editorial process Mark Stibich, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO on December 06, 2019 Jason DelCollo, DO, is board-certified in family medicine and on the faculty of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Learn about our Medical Review Board Jason DelCollo, DO Updated on January 24, 2020 Print 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 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, strengthens relationships, and increases our own self-worth. Frequent sex may even extend your life by years. 2 Drink Red Wine 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 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 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 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 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 and activity that suits your level of physical ability and play often. 7 Sleep Andersen Ross / Getty Images Sleep is an essential body function. Most Americans do not get enough sleep. Medications, stress, illness and poor sleep habits all can prevent you from getting between 7 and 9 hours a night. The health benefits of sleep include more energy, better immune function, and more. 8 Spend Time With Loved Ones 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, 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 Peter Dazeley / Getty Images Mind games are a great way to stay involved and engaged in the world. Games can 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 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 pleasure in your increasing age and enjoy greater learning, experience, and control in your life. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit