Longevity conjures images of strong genes and a painstainkingly healthy lifestyle, but even minor lifestyle tweaks can yield major benefits over time.
In fact, getting a proper night's rest might just be the single most important thing you can do to age well, according to longevity expert Ralph Montague.
The founder of The Longevity Clinic believes that inadequate sleep speeds up the ageing process more than almost anything else.
"Poor sleep accelerates ageing faster than almost anything else," he said. "It affects hormones, immune function, memory, and emotional regulation. Protecting your sleep is one of the most powerful longevity tools we have."
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'You don't need a cupboard full of supplements'
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For most people, seven to eight hours each night is the sweet spot, with anything below six hours proving detrimental for the vast majority.
It turns out the basics we tend to overlook are actually the real secrets to reaching old age gracefully.
You don't need to spend hours pumping iron at the gym to stay young, either.
Ralph reckons consistent daily movement trumps intense workouts every single time.
"Strength training is essential as we age, but walking is hugely underrated and something I do most days for around 45 minutes," he said.
He's a big fan of regular walks, pointing out they support heart health, keep joints mobile, boost mental wellbeing and contribute to a longer life.
"The goal isn't perfection, it's consistency," Ralph explained. "Exercise, whether gentle or intense, is one of the most powerful tools we have for mental health. A healthy mind helps keep you young."
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The ideal routine for preserving muscle mass combines strength training, walking, balance work and stretching.
When it comes to food, Ralph urges people to ditch the expensive supplements and forget chasing trendy superfoods.
"You don't need a cupboard full of supplements," he said.
Instead, most people would get far better results by prioritising protein, fibre, staying hydrated and choosing quality ingredients.
The one exception is vitamin D, which he highly recommends for anyone living in the UK where sunshine is often lacking.
Building meals around fermented foods, vegetables and healthy fats while cutting back on ultra-processed options helps reduce inflammation and supports metabolic health.
"Highly processed foods spike blood sugar, promote inflammation, and damage metabolic health over time," Ralph explained.
He also warns that being slim doesn't automatically mean you're healthy, particularly if ultra-processed foods dominate your diet.
Chronic stress is another major factor, with elevated cortisol levels directly influencing how rapidly your body ages.
And don't underestimate the power of human connection.
"Loneliness is as damaging to health as smoking," Ralph noted.
If you want to check how you're doing at home, there are some simple tests you can try.
You don't need to spend hours pumping iron at the gym to stay young
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Have a go at opening jars and carrying shopping bags to assess your grip strength, time yourself walking 10 metres at your normal pace, and see if you can stand on one leg for 30 seconds.
"These markers aren't about perfection," Ralph explained. "They're early warning signs, and the good news is they're all highly trainable at any age."
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