The fountain of youth may be a myth, but longevity is not. Living a long, healthy life isn’t just a matter of good luck – it’s about making smart choices and taking care of your body and mind every day.

Here are 11 secrets that can help unlock the mystery of living longer:.

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is key to living a long and healthy life.

Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and give you the energy you need to stay active.

2. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is essential for optimal health and longevity.

Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, build strong bones and muscles, improve your cardiovascular health, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer.

3. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can take a toll on your health and increase your risk of chronic diseases. Learning to manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, or through counseling or therapy, can help you stay healthy and live longer.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough restful sleep is essential for your physical and mental health. It can help you manage stress, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

Having strong social connections can help you live longer and stay healthier. Social isolation has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, depression, and even premature death.

6. Keep Your Mind Active

Keeping your mind active through activities like reading, crossword puzzles, or learning new skills can help you maintain cognitive function as you age.

7. Manage Chronic Health Conditions

If you have a chronic health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s important to manage it carefully to reduce the risk of complications and improve your overall health and longevity.

8. Avoid Harmful Behaviors

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use can all take a toll on your health and reduce your lifespan. Avoiding these harmful behaviors can help you stay healthy and live longer.

9. Practice Safe Driving

Car accidents are a leading cause of death among adults, so it’s important to practice safe driving habits like wearing a seatbelt, following the speed limit, and avoiding distracted driving.

10. Stay Up-to-Date on Preventive Health Measures

Regular check-ups and preventive health measures like mammograms, colonoscopies, and flu shots can help you catch and treat health problems early, reducing your risk of complications and improving your overall health and longevity.

11. Find Meaning and Purpose in Life

Having a sense of meaning and purpose in life can help you stay motivated, engaged, and fulfilled, and may even improve your overall health and longevity.