Want to live to 100?
Life expectancy is increasing by two years each decade and if you’re 40, you now have a 50/50 chance of reaching 95. But to enjoy it, we need to invest in health and happiness as well as a pension, says Professor Lynda Gratton, co-author of The 100 Year Life. To see how you’re faring, take the test at 100yearlife.com. Then try these anti-ageing strategies.
● Think re-creation, not recreation Seizing every opportunity to learn new skills in your spare time keeps your mind whirring and helps you switch direction in an everchanging jobs market.
● Make friends of all ages Mix with young people and you’ll be buoyed up by their curiosity, enthusiasm and adaptability. But value your old friends too – as longestablished relationships are essential for positive emotional support.
● Try Pokémon Go Who knew? Computer games can improve memory and focus by a third as we grow older, research for the BBC has found – and this new craze actually gets you out of your armchair.
● Sweat the dull stuff Try practising the health tips you’re tired of hearing – eat five a day, exercise often, cut down on sugar/saturated fat/fizzy drinks. ‘They benefit your health in later life as much as habits like smoking harm it,’ says Professor Gratton.