Everyone wants to live long, but longevity isn't achieved overnight. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and paying attention to details are essential for longer life. The UK's Daily Mirror recently summarized some surprising longevity secrets.

1. Stir tea thoroughly before drinking. Tea is rich in antioxidants (polyphenols) that help the body resist heart disease, cancer, and premature aging. An Israeli study found that moderate tea drinkers live longer than those who rarely drink tea. Remember to stir tea thoroughly before drinking - research shows this method releases 15% more anti-aging components.

2. Stand on one leg alternately every morning. This might sound strange, but standing on one leg while getting dressed forces your body to maintain balance and strengthens core muscles supporting the spine (back, pelvis, and abdomen). Physical therapists believe this simple action has significant long-term benefits for keeping active, preventing falls, and avoiding fractures in old age.

3. Have sex at least twice weekly. A large-scale longevity survey in Wales showed that compared to people having sex twice weekly, those having sex less than monthly double their risk of premature death. Research from Royal Edinburgh Hospital found that couples with healthy sex lives appear 7 years younger, possibly because sex reduces stress, increases satisfaction, and improves sleep quality.

4. Eat 3 walnuts daily. Recent research from University of Scranton shows walnuts are the healthiest nuts because they contain the most potent disease-fighting and anti-aging antioxidants. Eating 3 daily provides full benefits.

5. Make 6 trustworthy friends. Recent Australian studies of centenarians found that building close friendships and family bonds is the secret to longevity. Friends provide emotional support helping people cope with stress; feeling loved promotes dopamine and oxytocin production in the brain, aiding brain growth and delaying aging. Researchers identified 6 as the optimal number of close friends.

6. Sunbathe daily. Survey data shows 50% of British people lack vitamin D (formed when sunlight hits skin), increasing risk of many potentially fatal diseases. Cancer Research UK recommends 15-30 minutes of midday sun exposure daily while avoiding sunburn, otherwise health benefits are lost.

7. Floss nightly. Multiple studies confirm links between gum disease and increased risk of other illnesses (including heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers). Dental experts recommend nightly flossing.

8. Own a pet dog. University of Minnesota research shows pets have calming effects, lowering blood pressure and reducing heart attack risk. Another study found dog walkers live 7 years longer on average than non-owners.

9. Don't refrigerate fruits. Studies show refrigerated fruits contain fewer nutrients than room-temperature stored fruits. For example, tomatoes and peppers stored in bowls contain twice the beta-carotene and up to 20 times more lycopene than refrigerated counterparts. Higher intake of these antioxidants benefits heart health and reduces cancer risk.

10. Sing in shower. Harvard and Yale research found singing promotes health more than vitamins. Shower singing reduces stress, promotes heart health, and prevents depression.

11. Eat double portions of fruits/vegetables. Recent European Heart Journal research shows people eating 8+ daily portions of fruits/vegetables are 25% less likely to die from heart disease than those eating only 3 portions. Extra produce provides important vitamins and antioxidants that boost immune function and prevent premature aging.

12. Avoid complaining. Mayo Clinic research shows optimists live 12 years longer than pessimists. Complainers are more prone to viral diseases and less likely to undergo necessary self-examinations (like breast and skin cancer screenings).

13. Drink more apple juice. Recent Journal of Alzheimer's Disease research shows apple juice helps keep brains young. Just 2 cups daily reduces sticky plaque formation in dementia patients' brains.

14. Create family tree, know family medical history. Understanding family health history helps predict personal future health since many diseases (especially heart disease and cancer) have genetic links.

15. Watch 1 hour less TV nightly. National Cancer Institute scientists found that after age 25, every TV hour shortens lifespan by 20 minutes. More TV time means more sedentary time without muscle exercise or calorie burning, increasing disease and early death risk.

16. Don't miss medical screenings. Screenings enable early disease detection during treatable stages. Whether smear tests, blood pressure checks, or mammograms, all deserve attention.

17. Monitor waistline. Scientists found waist circumference predicts heart disease better than weight (or BMI) because it indicates visceral fat.

18. Laugh at least 20 times daily. Adults average only 5-15 daily laughs while children easily reach 100. Laughter boosts immune function, reduces stress hormones, and helps fight cancer.

19. Quit smoking. Finnish long-term research shows smoking not only shortens lifespan by about 10 years but also reduces quality of life in old age since smokers are more prone to debilitating diseases.

20. Have strong faith. Over 1,000 studies confirm links between faith and longevity. Strong beliefs help people cope with stress and protect heart, respiratory, and digestive systems.