A recent survey of over 20,000 older Australians found the top five tips they would recommend to younger people for a long and happy life were:
1. Having family or friends nearby
2. Doing meaningful work or doing something you love
3. Keeping your brain active, taking classes, reading
4. Being healthy - getting regular check ups
5. Being in a relationship/having a partner
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In fact being with family members was the number one thing they actually
did, following closely by taking part in an outdoor activity, having a
hobby and spending time with friends. Over 20 per cent said they were
actively involved in their community, while 21 per cent said they
travelled and 18 per cent exercised or played a team sport.
Almost half the respondents owned a pet and of these over 50 per cent
said their pet provides them with love and has become part of the
family.
Having a good diet is important too - but not too obsessive - over 73
per cent of people said they had a fairly balanced diet, while almost 15
per cent said they “eat what they like and don’t deprive themselves of
any foods” and less than 1 per cent (0.7) said they love junk food!
Drinking alcohol in moderation is seen as making no difference to your
health and longevity by over 54 per cent of respondents, while over 32
per cent said it actually helps you live longer.
The respondents were typically a pretty happy bunch with almost 77 per
cent saying they were a happy or generally fulfilled person, and only
2.4 per cent describing themselves as a pessimist.