Keys to a longer life

1. Drink tea. You would expect this from the British, but the research showing tea's ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol actually comes from Japanese and Norwegian scientists. Apparently any kind of non-herbal tea will do.
2. Sleep more and laugh more. People with chronic sleep problems have a higher mortality rate, whereas those who get a good night's rest suffer fewer illnesses. People who cultivate laughter heal faster and feel better.
3. Take cold showers. Brrr! But research in England and Germany confirm that the chill enhances resistance to colds, boosts immunity and fertility, and reduces the risk of heart attack.
4. Drink something red. The British Medical Journal reports that red wine is highest in antioxidants, but acknowledges that the same value can be achieved by drinking red grape juice.
5. Eat less and exercise moderately. On the island of Okinawa, where residents eat 20 percent less than other Japanese, the age-related death rate is 60 percent lower. As for exercise, 30 minutes of moderate sustained activity five times a week increases life expectancy.
6. Get a pet and get married. Pet owners have lower stress, cholesterol and blood pressure, and see their doctors less often. While you're at it, get a spouse as well. The single and divorced have the highest chance of contracting disease and dying from it.