Maintain healthy habits
Whitman told Fortune that the foundation for a long and healthy life always starts with the basics: avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising. These habits alone can add 10 years to your life and improve your overall health, she added.

Strong relationships
Whitman cited a large Harvard study on healthy aging, saying that the participants who had the best health outcomes had very strong relationships and friendships throughout their lives.

“Relationships are a major predictor of health and happiness,” she said.

Have a sense of purpose
Whitman says having a purpose can cut your risk of death in half. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have shown that having a sense of purpose can improve your sleep, immune system, and stress levels. Each of these three factors plays a role in your overall health and longevity. It can also give you a greater sense of accomplishment and meaning in your daily life.

Think positively about aging
One of the most important things Whitman says is changing your mindset about aging. She says that thinking positively about aging can lead to better health, a lower risk of heart attack, a lower risk of dementia, and a larger brain volume.