Cassiraga, Maria Belen

ESSAY N 3

There exist multiple factors that affect longevity positively.

Longevity is a term used to describe the length or duration of life. Longevity has
been increasing over the past century thanks to medical advances and lifestyle
improvements. It is a topic that has drawn attention to people for decades. For this
reason, it is a topic widely studied and researched. Most experts claim that there exist
multiple factors, such as exercise and sleep, which affect longevity positively.

In the first place, remaining physically active positively influence longevity.

Daily exercise may be the closest thing we have to a fountain of youth. A research
made in 2008 has shown that fifteen minutes of exercise each day can add up to three
years to the average persons life. Moreover, the more minutes you add to your
workout routine, the greater gains in longevity. Doing work out every day can lower risk
heart problems, prevent respiratory problems, reduce stress and obesity. As a result,
doing exercise regularly lengthens life span.

Secondly, another factor that has a positive impact on longevity is sleep.

Scientists believe that sleeping 8 hours per day extends years of life. Furthermore,
according to a recent study done by the University of Stanford there is a link between
longevity and regular sleeping patterns. This means retiring and waking up at
approximately the same time every day. In brief, the time we spent sleeping can make
a difference in our life span.

However, there are those who argue that there exist issues that have negative
effects on longevity. Stress is a factor that negatively affects the duration of life. Stress
can be caused by many reasons: family problems or job dissatisfaction. We have all
heard the jokes about stress turning our hair grey; in practice it can cause short term
health and psychological problems thus shortening years of life. As can be seen,
suffering from stress has a harmful effect on longevity.

Together with stress, insecurity seriously affects longevity. It is a fact that in

these days, crime rates have increased drastically. People do not feel safe on the
streets with all types of crime at the order of the day. Homicide is the second leading
cause of premature death in Buenos Aires, consequently, homicide affects longevity.

All things considered, it is clear that there are many factors that affect longevity
negatively like stress and insecurity. However, there are many way to add years to our
life for example doing exercise and sleeping the necessary hours. You only have to
want to!