Health Fitness

In the United States, life expectancy was about 48 years for women and 46 years for men born in 1900. Just 50 years later, it climbed to 71 for women and 66 for men. And recent numbers put life expectancy at roughly 80 for women and 75 for men. 

 Getting the right amount of sleep is important to health and lifespan. The problem is figuring out what that right amount really is. In a 2002 study based on the self-reported sleep habits of more than a million people, about seven hours a night produced optimal longevity. Those reporting more than eight hours or less than five hours had, on average, shorter lifespans.

In a study of 20,000 British participants, eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, drinking alcohol moderately, exercising, and not smoking were habits associated with a potential 14 extra years of life.
 

 When it comes to longevity, having a network of close pals may be even more important than family. A 10-year study in Australia found that people with large social networks were 22% less likely to die over the following decade than those who reported having fewer friends.