How to Add 10 Years to Your Life.

Can you resist this one thing?

Photo by vadimguzhva

If a doctor told you giving up one thing could add as much as 10 years to your lifespan, would you consider doing it?

Maybe you would say, “It depends what it is.”

If something makes you happy, gives you a real buzz, or boosts your confidence, it may be hard or impossible to give up.

Also it could be difficult if it connects you socially with friends. It becomes even more challenging if your friends perceive you as strange or are suspicious about your decision to give it up.

If someone, even a doctor, had said this to me in my twenties, I think I would have laughed and said, “Sure, but I’ll be done by the time I am 70 anyhow.” 70 years old seemed aeons away, and I could not imagine that I would want to live beyond 70.

Naturally, as I age and it feels like time passes more quickly, the idea of extending my life by 10 years becomes increasingly appealing. I have a long list of challenges, adventures, and places I want to visit, and as long as I maintain my health, I’m content to continue living well past the age of 70, should I be fortunate enough to do so.

Since my teens, I have been up close and personal too many times with how ravaging and distressing serious illness can be…