If it seems like people are living longer these days, it’s because they are. So, what does that mean? It means that one generation is definitely living longer than the previous one. Just think about it… how many older people do you see out and about driving and why do you think so many retirement and assisted living communities are being built now? It’s because people are living longer and the older generations are living proof of it.

There are, of course, people that say there hasn’t been any type of change in the life expectancy of people over the years but you can’t deny the fact that there are more people in the world today than there was 50 years ago. People are making lifestyle changes, plus, the advancements in medicine have all made it possible for people to live longer.

So Why Exactly are People Living Longer?

If you think about it, death is like the finish line in this marathon called life but the way people are living longer, the finish line keeps getting pushed further and further back, making it take longer to get to the finish line. So why is it that people are living longer? Let’s find out.

Advancements in Medicine

The world of medicine sure has come a LONG way. Diseases that once debilitated people have now been cured and prevented from ever resurfacing with vaccines. Conditions that once took the lives of millions has been cured by taking a simple little pill.

Certain diseases like whooping cough and measles once took the lives of millions of children but because of the vaccines, those types of deaths aren’t happening anymore. According to Psychology Today, people are living longer for that very reason… people aren’t dying young anymore, and because of that, the world is staying more populated longer.

People are Taking an Interest in Their Health

Exercise

Exercising can be a daunting venture for lots of people but it’s a habit that everyone should pick up. Some people are exercising because they like the way it makes them feel and look, while others are engaging in exercise due to other health issues forcing them to exercise. Regardless of the reasoning, it’s a good habit to pick up.

Healthy Food Choices

Making healthier food choices play a major role in your life expectancy. There was a point in time where eating healthy foods was a dull, boring, and flavorless obligation in order to look good and feel good but now, healthy foods are just as delicious as unhealthy foods but with all the nutritional value.

The thing about making healthier food choices is that it’s so easy to do these days. There are so many healthy alternatives to the foods you love. For example, if you love fried foods but don’t like the health risks of eating greasy foods, there is a little thing called an air fryer… this is a healthier way to cook “fried” foods without using grease.

Restaurants are also getting on the healthy food options wagon as well. Some restaurants have a separate menu with healthier options than the regular menu. They even label some of the entrees as Keto-friendly, because lots of people are changing their eating habits to Keto-friendly meals and restaurants are being very accommodating of it.

Rest

One of the other bigger reasons why people are living longer is because they’re making sure they get enough sleep. Everyone has busy and hectic lives, leaving them to only get a few hours of sleep… that’s the worst thing you could do to your body. Some people even experience signs of needing more sleep and completely ignore them because they need to get things done. Well, if you’re one of those people that ignore sleep, you can continue to do so if you want to shorten your lifespan but if you want to live longer and feel better, take the time out to make sure you get plenty of rest.

Better Medical Practices

Advancements in medicine and technology make it possible for better medical practices. Doctors are now able to screen you for certain ailments and diseases before you even notice any types of symptoms. Doctors have access to better resources and medical supplies to successfully perform their jobs making it easier to treat patients and give them the care that they need. As medicine and technology continues to advance, doctors have to stay updated on those advances as well and implement them into their own practices when treating patients.

Be Smart About Living

Yes, people are living longer these days but that you’re going to live forever. You still need to be proactive about your future as far as estate planning, and it’s better to do it now while you have the air in your lungs to do it and a brain to make your own decisions.

One of the first things you need to do is create a power of attorney. People tend to think that a power of attorney is an actual person but it’s actually a legal document where you appoint someone to make decisions for you on your behalf in the event you become incapacitated or die. The great thing about creating a power of attorney is that you can download it for free.

In doing this, you want to make sure you choose someone you can trust and who won’t take advantage of you when you are incapacitated. Now, whoever you choose, won’t be able to make any decisions for you on your behalf until you’ve been diagnosed by a doctor as incapacitated. But until then, keep living your life to the fullest and live long!