According to an in-depth study in which nearly 6,000 men were studied for up to 40 years, the following 9 factors were associated with living until age 85+ and with living free of chronic disease and physical or mental impairment.

The "9 Keys to a Healthy 85+" are:

• High grip strength
• Avoidance of overweight
• Avoidance of hyperglycemia
• Avoidance of hypertension
• Non-smoking
• No excessive alcohol consumption
• High education level
• Avoidance of hypertriglyceridemia (elevated triglyceride level)
• Having a marital partner

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Source: 9 Keys to Living to a Healthy 85+, Health & Nutrition Letter, Tufts University, February 2007.