10 ordinary things that will guarantee you live much longer

“We’re regularly bombarded with information about how to maintain good health and therefore live longer, better quality lives,” says Dr Doug Wright.

“But our research tells us that too many of us are not taking even the most basic steps to protect our health.’

He says making simple changes to our lifestyle not only reduces our risk of developing potentially life-threatening diseases, but will help us feel happier and healthier too.

“Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a good diet, exercising regularly and cutting down on alcohol and smoking all help.”

But, aside from the obvious, what else can you do to ensure you fly past the three score years and 10 mark and hurtle into your 80s, 90s and beyond?

You might be surprised to hear...

Going to work when you’re under the weather doubles your risk of suffering a heart attack, according to a recent study.

No-one’s indispensable so climb back into bed.

Dutch scientists have proved that eating 4g of cocoa per day can halve the risk of heart disease.

That might only be around two regular size chocolate buttons but a bit of chocolate’s better than no chocolate, right?

Ageing expert Dr Tom Perls says flossing daily could add more than a year to your life.

It helps prevent gum inflammation – a sign of chronic bacterial infection that can negatively impact your heart.

Your body allocates resources from your immune system to fight the bacteria and over time these can cause arteries to narrow.

Scientists suggest worrying can shorten your life expectancy by as much as 16 years so don’t sweat the small stuff.

Save worrying for only really important things.

Research proves those who are bored at work are twice as likely to succumb to a heart attack or stroke over the next 25 years than those who are challenged and enjoy their job.

Walking can act as an anti-depressant, giving you up to seven extra years of life, a study introduced at the European Society of Cardiology congress reported.

Whether it’s piles of clutter in your home or a tangled web of debt, stress can send your pulse rate and blood pressure soaring.

Stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin damage major organs. So have a sort out once in a while.

Guys who have at least two orgasms a week are half as likely to die early than others who have less – and they’re less likely to develop prostate cancer, too.

Scientists in Iowa claim those who attend a religious service at least once a week are a third more likely to live longer than those who don’t.

And they’re not alone. More than 1,000 studies have found a link between faith and a long life. Amen.

Those who regularly get angry are twice as prone to strokes, so deep breaths everyone...