The Lifespan Boosters

Exercise, sleep, and a good diet aren't the only healthy behaviors that count. Research suggests other actions can help add up to...

Welcome to the positive corner of the internet. Every weekday, we make sense of the confusing world of wellness by analyzing the headlines, simplifying the latest research, and offering quick tips designed to make you healthier in less than 5 minutes. If you were forwarded this message, you can get the free daily email here.

Today’s Health Upgrade: Living Longer

  • Number you won’t forget

  • Study of the week

  • Weekend boosts

Arnold’s Podcast

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Number you won’t forget: 100 

Want to live three years longer? Research suggests having 100 orgasms per year could be the most enjoyable way to get there.  

The number comes from a long line of observational research that repeatedly finds a strong association between a healthy sex life and a longer life. 

Scientists analyzed nearly 1,000 men over ten years and found that those who had orgasms most frequently had a 50 percent lower mortality risk than those with the lowest frequency. 

The study also suggests that having sex twice per week is linked with a lowered risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke. 

If you’re really ambitious, the scientists estimate that 700 orgasms per year could add up to 8 years to your life.

Study Of The Week: Change Your Mind, Change Your Lifespan?

How do you feel about getting older? Answer honestly because knowing — and potentially changing — your true emotions could affect how long you live. 

Research suggests a positive perception about aging could determine how long you live.  

But, the door swings both ways. Those who are more positive appear to live longer, and those who are more negative have more health problems and experience a shorter lifespan. While researchers are still trying to understand why, there is a strong association between a negative mindset and disease. 

Scientists found that those with positive feelings towards aging are 50 percent less likely to develop dementia. 

The study of optimism isn’t a new breakthrough, but it tends to be ignored. An earlier study also found that a positive perception of aging can help you live up to seven years longer. 

The life-expanding benefits of positivity appeared regardless of gender, age, socioeconomic status, and other variables typically associated with lifespan. 

The observational study tracked the health of individuals over 23 years based on their feelings about aging. The longevity boost was greater than what you see from other behaviors, such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, or avoiding smoking. 

A negative mindset becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Research suggests that those who believe they have a higher likelihood of disease tend to do fewer of the positive health behaviors that promote better health. 

If you need more hope for the future, changing your mindset can change your outcome. Studies show that changing your health behaviors or mindset can shift your health trajectory.

Weekend Boosts

💪Eat up: Looking for food that lives up to the hype? This year’s James Beard Award Winners were announced. (Editor’s Note: I can vouch for the deliciousness of The Wolf’s Tailor in Denver, compliments of Outstanding Restaurateur Erika and Kelly Whitaker. -AB)

💪It Starts With Hope: He had signs of Alzheimer’s…and then he didn’t. (Can’t underestimate the value and importance of exercise)

💪Motivation We Approve: Some are calling it one of the best graduation speeches. We call it valuable insights from an iconic athlete. Listen to this timeliness wisdom from Roger Federer.

💪Pump Perks: We get you great deals on great products. Upgrade your recovery with Plunge. (And save $150 for being a member of the Pump Club.)

And that’s it for this week! Thanks for being a part of the positive corner of the internet, and we hope you have a fantastic weekend!

-Arnold, Adam, and Daniel

Publisher: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Editors-in-chief: Adam Bornstein and Daniel Ketchell