Wanting to live a long, healthy life doesn’t have to be complicated. While celebrities and ultra-rich can add up to many years to their lives by spending millions on supplements and surgeries – experts believe that some of the best health hacks are free and do not take much time. The only thing you need to follow is consistency.

According to studies, a few simple daily habits – like exercise, healthy eating, maintaining social connections, and reducing stress – add decades to your lifespan.

Walking for even 8-10 minutes a day can easily add up to a year to your lifespan, a new study says. A brisk, 30-minute daily walk in the neighbourhood can make you healthier, and younger by 1.4 years for women, and 2.5 years for men, say University of Leicester researchers.

The average age of the ­people in their study was early sixties – which means it is never too late.

Experts say walking regulates your circadian rhythm which supports healthy ageing and longevity. It also regulates your immune system, hormone activity, emotional balance, and hunger.

We all like to pursue something creative that gives us happiness. According to experts, being creative also adds a decade to your years. In her book, Your Brain On Art, Professor Susan Magsamen has recommended doing around half an hour of artistic activity every day.

However, it is not necessary to pain or stitch. Many people love gardening, cooking, or even styling houses – which help boost your happy hormones, and keep you fit and healthy.

While it is convenient to scroll on your phone and spend hours on social media before you sleep, you must stop doing it immediately. Research says phone and tablet addiction causes cognitive issues, and is one of the main reasons behind the early onset of degenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Instead, grab a book to extend your life. Studies say keen readers over the age of 50 years live an average of two more years than non-readers. And if it’s a boring book, it will put you straight to deep sleep.

Your friends and family are always the biggest support you can have in life – whether you are happy or sad. Apart from keeping you busy, socializing also helps you live longer.

Studies say men and women with good social life but an unhealthy lifestyle lived longer than those with healthy lifestyles who lacked friends. So, get out there and boost your social interactions as much as you can.

Try doing yoga, meditation, and a few exercises to maintain your body balance which may otherwise become harder to do as you age. But by practicing standing on one leg every day, you can quickly improve the coordination between your brain and the sensors in your joints.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.