While healthy habits are important for a long life, they aren’t the only factors that contribute to longevity. Certain traits may also serve as indicators of a longer lifespan. For example, having a larger body size and a strong appetite might not seem advantageous, but if you maintain little to no belly fat, it could significantly increase your chances of living to 100 years old.
1. You are a woman.
Scientists suggest that, on average, women live 6 to 8 years longer than men. This longevity gap may be attributed to biological advantages in females and behavioral differences between genders.
2. You look younger.
An interesting study conducted by Danish scientists monitored 187 pairs of twins from 2001 to 2013. In the end, they observed that the twin who appeared younger tended to have a longer lifespan.
3. You gave birth to your child after 33.
Some researchers have found that women who give birth after the age of 33 may have a greater likelihood of living longer. They attribute this to the idea that a slower aging process in the reproductive system could reflect a similar pattern of delayed aging throughout the rest of the body.
4. Your body mass index is between 18.5 and 25.
The study revealed that obesity can significantly reduce lifespan. Scientists emphasized that a normal body mass index (BMI), ranging from 18.5 to 25, is ideal for maintaining good health. A BMI between 25 and 30 is classified as overweight, while a BMI between 30 and 35 indicates obesity.
How to calculate your body mass index:
BMI is a measure used to estimate body fat based on weight and height. It is calculated by dividing an adult’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²). For ease, you can use an online BMI calculator to determine your score.
5. You don’t have belly fat.
Even in individuals who are not overweight, belly fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and a potential reduction in lifespan. This conclusion was drawn by researchers who analyzed patient data from 2000 to 2016. They found that belly fat, in particular, poses significant health risks. On a positive note, the study also highlighted that muscles act as a metabolic storehouse, playing a key role in regulating and lowering blood sugar levels.
6. You are a good sleeper.
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According to surveys, sleep duration plays a crucial role in longevity. Sleeping fewer than 5–7 hours per night may reduce lifespan by up to 12%. The Sleep Foundation and various medical journals recommend different sleep durations based on age groups:
- Younger adults (18–25 years): 7–9 hours
- Adults (26–64 years): 7–9 hours
- Older adults (65+ years): 7–8 hours
Getting adequate rest is essential for overall health and longevity.
7. You are right-handed.
While there isn’t definitive proof to fully confirm this, some studies suggest that right-handed individuals might have a tendency to live longer, especially among adults and athletes.
8. You are a tall woman.
Interestingly, scientific research indicates that taller women have a greater likelihood of living to the age of 90. For men, however, height does not appear to influence longevity. Instead, men who engage in more than 60 minutes of daily exercise are more likely to maintain a healthy and longer life.
