If You Want to Live a Long Life, Start Drinking!
We’ve always been told that living a healthy live is the key to living a long life. And that’s true! Eating well, exercising, not smoking or taking drugs, will all contribute to your life in a positive way. But, now there’s some good news! Researchers have found that people who drink live longer. THAT’S RIGHT. One of the key’s to longevity? Having a few cocktails on a regular basis. You don’t need to tell me twice.
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According to a study led by University of California neurologist Claudia Kawas, people who drink live longer. The 90+ Study explored impacts of daily habits on longevity.
The study began in 2003, and tracked 1,700 nonagenarians. The data showed that participants who drank around two glasses of beer or wine a day were 18% less likely to die a premature death than those who didn’t drink. Conversely, people who exercised an average of 15 – 45 minutes a day cut their risk by 11%. I’m no math wizard, but 18% is more than 11%. Ergo, drinking is better than exercise! Thanks, science!
There were other factors that increased longevity for participants in the study, too. But beer and wine are definitely the most fun.
Interestingly, people who were slightly overweight (not obese) lowered their risk of early death by 3%, compared to people who were normal – slightly underweight. In an address at the American Association for the Advancement of of Science annual conference, Kawas said, “It’s not bad to be skinny when you’re young but it’s very bad to be skinny when you’re old.” I really like this person, you guys. Additionally, people with daily hobbies were 21% less likely to die early, and coffee drinkers tended to live longer than non-coffee drinkers, by about 10%.
There are certainly other factors that contribute to living a longer life. But in the meantime, it doesn’t hurt to err on the side of science and have a couple of drinks. Says Kawas, “I have no explanation for it, but I do firmly believe that modest drinking improves longevity.” Who am I to argue with a neurologist?
(Image: iStock/GeorgeRudy)
