The heading on a national newspaper recently stated: “7 Easy Steps to a Longer Life.” The Lancet published the report saying that the conditions causing most years of life lost were – in this order – heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infection, colorectal cancer, breast cancer and self-harm.

It’s a sobering list and one that may make you wonder if the “longer life” is worth the sacrifice!  There is always the old quotation…

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chardonnay in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out screaming ‘woo..woo..what a ride!’”(anon)

But joking aside - what are the seven steps?

1. Stay physically active
2. Keep a healthy weight
3. Eat healthy
4. Maintain a good cholesterol level
5. Keep your blood pressure stable
6. Control blood sugar levels
7. Don’t smoke

From a holistic perspective we get a huge amount of “feel good factor” hormones from physical activity and its benefits cannot be underestimated.  Keeping a healthy weight is important, especially as a huge percentage of the western world is overfed yet undernourished. Eat healthy is practically written on my forehead. Avoid processed foods and eat pure unadulterated foods that “roam” or “grow” and preferably indigenous and locally sourced. Cholesterol IS good, stick to organic eggs and you’ll be doing just fine, don’t limit them. Keep your blood pressure stable: Watch your stress levels. Control blood sugar levels: Always eat breakfast and ensure that you get enough proteins and complex carbohydrates. Don’t expect your body – equivalent to a premier formula one car—to keep going without the right fuel.

I have at least two of my own suggestions to add. Ditch the synthetic potentially toxic hormone disrupting chemicals and look to what nature has provided. There’s a 100 natural alternatives to everything and you’ll tick the eco/sustainable box in the process.   Try simple DIY skincare, opt for kitchen cupboard remedies for common ailments, old-style cleaning and save a fortune on conventional laundry detergents – (I’m queen of balls and nuts –laundry balls and soapnuts!)

The other super important extra secret to longevity is to Be Happy – scientists say people who are happy and have a sense of community live longer and more fulfilled lives, but what if life is not treating you well? According to research you can choose happiness. One sure-fire way is to practice kindness. It’s beneficial on a physiological level not just to the recipient but also for the person being kind. Offer random acts of kindness. It’s definitely number one on my list: Be kind to yourself and others, then maybe you could share the chardonnay and strawberries.