11 out-of-the-box activities that will add years to your life

11 out-of-the-box activities that will add years to your life11 out-of-the-box activities that will add years to your lifeWe all want to live rich, full and long lives. Now clearly what you do now can impact how long you live (even if it doesnt feel like it.) Things like taking care of your body, being part of happy relationships, and even laughing every day, can do wonders for your health.But are there other, elend-so-obvious things you havent even considered that could prolong your life? Achart from Information Is Beautifulthat collected data from a number of sources including various published science papers found the following can add some years.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreBe optimisticOk so this one isnt too surprising but interestingly but women who have high levels of cynicalness, even though they tend to live longer than men, are 16% more likely to die earlier.Have a long-lived maternal grandfatherWow. Seems a little random but apparently, this is a factor, especially for men.Hang out with women a lotThis is another one geared for men. If you have more gal pals, you will live longer So go grab some women. No, dont grab them. Politely and not creepily make friend with them. This one could add as many as 15-plus yearsDrink more red wine with friendsMany studies have shown that red wine, in moderation, has numerous health benefits as does being surrounded by friends. Again, though, men benefit more from this.Have more petsDogs (and I guess cats) are awesome. And our furry friends help both sexes live longer.Live in the countrySorry city dwellers, but country mice may live longer.Get promotedThats right. If you are thriving and succeeding in your career you tend to live longer.Have a long-lived siblingIf they have good genes, you probably do too.Live at a high-altitudeYou may want to consider a move to Colorado.Though it seems like more of these we re geared towards men, dont worry ladies. First of all just being a woman gives you a leg up on the life game. Other more obvious findings for pro-longed life included regular health checks, getting married, quitting smoking, eating healthy, living healthily (diet and exercise combined) and avoidingcancer and heart disease.As for things that are shaving years of your life, well some of them are pretty obvious but there are a few you may be surprised by.Sleeping too muchEven though sleep can be so wonderful, sleeping too much is not a good thing. Catching up on sleep on the weekends can actually be quite badeanstalt for your health.Sitting downAgain not surprising. Try to stand more.Eating red meatApparently one can eat too much steak.Suffering from severe mental illness, smoking and becoming obese were also listed.Go to church regularlyBringing a little faith into your life can have a positive effect.Have more orgasmsToo bad this isnt more helpful to women but this apparently makes life worth living for men. According to IIB, you should aim for 350 a year.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people