7 ways to help extend the healthy years of your life

“We’re living longer, but we’re kind of grinding our way through the last maybe 25% of our life with some form of health condition,” Macpherson says.

About 65% of people over the age of 60 are living with multiple health issues, he adds.

Here’s why Macpherson says our healthspan isn’t increasing at the same rate as our lifespan. Plus, seven ways you can help lengthen the healthiest years of your life.

Here are a few practices Macpherson encourages to add more years to your healthspan.

Don’t skip catching up with your doctor. Regularly check in and get blood tests annually to catch any potential health issues.

Ditch sugar. “We cause our body a lot of problems when it has to deal with too much sugar, and it ages us and affects our healthspan,” he says.

Maintain a healthy diet. Stick to a Mediterranean diet or plant-based diet, with meat occasionally for extra protein.

Sit less: “Sitting is bad, standing is good,” so consider a standing desk while you work, he suggests.

Exercise often. Walk every day if that’s all you can manage, but aim to exercise 30 minutes a day.

Remember to hydrate. “Generally healthy people” should drink four to six glasses of water each day, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Consult your doctor if you aren’t sure how much water you should be drinking daily.

Practice gratitude and mindfulness. “Gratitude, mindfulness and a great social circle, I think, can add years, if not a decade to your life,” says Macpherson.