How to AGE WELL

Take a moment to consider what you put on your plate - it could add years to your life

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With a wealth of advice at our fingertips, it's no surprise that many of us are confused by what's best for our health. Saying that, we all know that looking after ourselves improves the chance of living longer. This usually means regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, drinking alcohol in moderation and not smoking. Following a balanced diet is also vital, so wouldn't it be great to see, in simple terms, the foods (plus the way you eat them) that could lengthen - or shorten - your lifespan? Here's how to switch up your eating habits for the better, so you can buy yourself more time.

Count calories

Guilty of piling your plate? You'll be healthier as you age if you eat less. 'Restricting calorie intake to around two-thirds of your daily needs can prolong your life by many years,' says Dr Sarah Brewer. 'Calorie restriction lowers cholesterol and blood fat levels, reduces blood pressure and improves glucose control, as well as reducing body weight. It may also delay, prevent or improve conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson‘s and multiple sclerosis (MS).' Write down your daily calorie intake in a notebook (or use an app) to keep track.

Ditch the ‘British diet’

We're not known as a nation of healthy eaters, so if you consume the average UK diet - which is high in red meat, processed foods and sugary drinks - it's time to swap it for more fish, beans, grains and nuts. A Norwegian study* found that switching from a typical Western diet to this more ‘optimal’ way of eating can add 10 years to your life if you start young, and eight to nine years if you switch at 60.

Eat like you're in the Med