Research shows you can add 11 years to your life by quitting smoking, exercising often, and filling your plate with fruits and veggies, but there may be some other ways to add to your golden years.
They come from a family of 11 and among them, share 28 children. Today these sisters and their three brothers are truly enjoying their golden years.
"Nobody uses a cane in this family," Muriel Gillooly told Ivanhoe.
They grew up as the Hurlberts and as adults these sisters appear to have mastered the art of living younger longer. "It blows my mind really to think that we have all lived this long we didn't expect to be here," Mildred MacIsaac said.
How can you live longer? Start by going raw. Studies show eating just one cup of uncooked vegetables a day can add two years to your life, that's because cooking destroys up to 30 percent of antioxidants.
Noshing on nuts five days a week gives you almost four years. Flossing adds one and a half. And attending a religious service regularly has been shown to add two or three years. But maybe most importantly is having a positive outlook.
Researchers found those who have a positive view of aging live seven and a half years longer than those who don't. These sisters say they don't have a secret.
"I don't know what it is?" Agnes Buckley said. "We have I guess good genes."
But in this family, it appears to go beyond DNA. The sisters agree their natural zest for life, coupled with a positive attitude keeps them young.
"I'm kind of stress-less," Peggy Brack explained.
"I stay calm most of the time," Buckley said.
"I guess we are easy going and don't let things bother us," Helen Caldwell said.
The women credit their mother for their sense of tranquility and their father for their playfulness.
Just a few ways to live a more lovely long life!
Another way to add years to your life is to bust that belly. Researchers at the University of Alabama found those who keep their body mass index between 25 and 35 also cut their lifespan by up to three years.
