Boost Longevity: 6 Doctor-Approved Wellness Tips for Durable Health

Nearly one-third of Americans make a New Year’s resolution, according to statistics, with a focus often on fitness, healthy eating habits, and weight management. However, a staggering 90% do not stick to their resolutions, with a quarter giving up within the first week.

To increase the likelihood of resolution success, medical experts suggest shifting from temporary solutions to science-backed methods for achieving long-term wellness.

Dr. Shai Efrati, a recognized authority on brain health and longevity, along with Dr. Joseph Maroon, an NFL neurosurgeon and super-ager, offer six valuable tips for living a healthy lifestyle in 2026 and beyond.

TIP 1: Delay Retirement

Early retirement can speed up physical and cognitive decline, especially if it leads to a lack of meaningful activity, warns Efrati.

“Continuous engagement in work, whether full-time or part-time, or even project-based, is correlated with improved cognitive resilience, cardiovascular health, and overall longevity,” Efrati suggests.

TIP 2: Monitor Stress Levels

Professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Maroon, underscores the need for stress management for optimal health.

“Balancing priorities, such as work, family and friends, spirituality, and regular exercise can help reduce chronic stress, which can lead to poor sleep, anxiety, and cardiovascular issues,” he advises.

TIP 3: Cultivate a Sense of Purpose

“A strong sense of purpose is one of the most powerful predictors of longevity,” Efrati emphasizes.

Research shows that people who engage in meaningful endeavors have lower levels of chronic inflammation and a reduced risk of premature death.

TIP 4: Embrace Spirituality

According to Maroon, “regular spiritual or communal practice” is associated with a reduced risk of premature death and lower rates of depression. These practices can offer connection, perspective, and resilience, particularly during emotionally challenging times.

TIP 5: View Food as Fuel

Efrati advises treating food as fuel for cellular energy production and repair, rather than just counting calories. “Diets rich in whole, unprocessed foods, particularly the Mediterranean diet, provide the nutrients that support mitochondrial function, vascular health, and brain metabolism,” he explains.

TIP 6: Prioritize Quality Sleep

Maroon considers quality sleep a “cornerstone of brain health and longevity.” He advises that adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night to support brain, immune, and cardiovascular health.