KILCOMMONS

READ books and live longer, say researchers.

In a study of over 50s, they found that those reading three-and-a-half hours a week had a 17% better chance of living longer.

Those who read even more were 23% less likely to pop their clogs early.

This longevity advice comes alongside that for healthy eating, lifestyle and exercise, which has led me to consume fruit and veg in such quantities that I must be keeping a small farm in Kent in profit.

I also take a half-hour trek every morning, no matter what the weather. By heck, I must be healthy. Not only that, but I’ve been an avid reader since Enid Blyton days, I always have an e-book on my smartphone and have started listening to audio books when I walk, combining two disciplines at the same time, which is, after all, difficult for a bloke.

Does this count as reading by proxy?

Drinking tea can add four years to your life, a happy marriage can add five years.

An Oxford University study found that going to your local pub is good for you because it provides a strong social network that improves happiness and overall health.

So far, so good on my home front.

But what’s this? An American study from Harvard says optimists are less likely to suffer from cancer, heart disease or stroke.

Dr Kaitlin Hagan says optimism can be boosted by simple measures such as: “Writing down and thinking about the best possible outcomes for various areas of our lives.”

Yet another study found that an optimist could bank on living an extra seven-and-ahalf years more than a pessimist.

So, Manchester United to win two domestic cups, the Europa League and the Premiership with their usual post-Christmas run of victories, and Town to get back on course and win promotion.

And if that comes off, I must be good for another decade at least.