I was recently scrolling through my newsfeed when I came across an article featuring the five remaining people born in the 19th century that are still alive today. That’s right, five people, all born in the 1800s. The youngest of these five individuals is 115 years old, born just one month before the end of the 19th century.

The longevity of these five people caused me to wonder what causes people to live that long. The research I found provided some very interesting results.

Although all five centenarians have their tricks for how they have managed to live so long, it turns out that after around ninety-five years old, longevity can be almost solely attributed to genetics.

Although your chances of living past one hundred are slim to none without a few key genomes, there are plenty of things you can do that will help you make it all the way to the impressive age of ninety-five. So, without further ado, here are four tips for maximizing your years on this planet.

Stay Active

We’ve all heard the saying “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” which applies directly to your muscles and joints. A big part of living longer is keeping your body in shape, so regular exercise should be a no-brainer. Regular exercise helps condition your body and your mind and greatly reduces your risk of heart problems.

Find an activity you enjoy and stick with it. You don’t have to hit the gym every day if lifting weights and running on a treadmill aren’t your style. Go for a walk, play volleyball a couple of times a week, or sign up for a Zumba class. Whatever you choose, just make sure you’re moving.

Be Happy

Thinking positively and minimizing stress when possible can actually improve your physical health. Studies have shown that stress can physically disrupt every system in the body, from the cardiovascular to the immune system.

Making a conscious effort to relax and let go of all unnecessary stress can actually add years to your life, so stop worrying and start smiling. 

You Are What You Eat

Your mom actually had some basis behind the statement, “Eat your fruits and veggies.” Fruits and vegetables are packed with fiber and vitamins essential to keeping your body healthy and energized, and they can help prevent some of the most common health problems we see today, such as heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and certain cancers.

Including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet is one sure way to keep your body healthy and add years to your life.

Just Be Nice 

It might sound obvious or even cliché, but being nice is not only good for those around us, it provides health benefits as well.

Think about it. Does it make you feel better after you snap at the waiter because there was a problem with your order? Or do you feel better when you smile and kindly point out that there is a mistake? My guess is that your blood pressure is lower and your attitude is better with the latter.

Being nice is a natural behavior that we have been taught since we were children, and it not only makes us feel better, but it decreases stress and increases positivity, two things that we already know are important for our health.

Although there is no foolproof way to make it to ninety-five, a few key lifestyle changes can drastically improve your overall health and increase your quality of life, which should in turn increase your quantity of life. So, be healthy, be happy, and be nice, and you can greatly increase your chances of living a longer, higher quality life.

Want to learn more about the five centenarians from this article? Read the full article here.