Whenever a centenarian is interviewed the question on everyone’s lips is: what is their secret to a long life?
The answers varies from wine, to chocolate, to exercise and even three eggs a day, the faithful habit of Italian lady Emma Morano, who lived to be 117 years old.
It’s easy to assume that those people who do live past 100 years old have a healthy lifestyle.
But now latest research, based on a study of more than 1,600 people aged in their 90s, found coffee and alcohol was the key to a longer life.
A new study from the UC Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders has followed the habits of the participants since 2003.
The study found that alcohol and coffee were habits that healthy elderly people had in common.
The study, called the 90+ study and one of the largest studies of this age group in the world, also found that people who were slightly overweight in their 70s thrived in their 90s.
No need to miss happy hour
Those who took part in the study were required to participate in twice annual visits to answer questions about their health and lifestyle, and undergo various physical and neurological tests.
The study has found that drinking two servings of alcohol each day decreases your chance of premature death by 18%, according to Little Things.
However, despite the good news researchers are baffled as to why this is the case.
Two cups of coffee
“I have no explanation for it,” said Dr. Claudia Kawas, one of the lead researchers on the study, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “but I do firmly believe that modest drinking improves longevity.”
The study also found that drinking two cups of coffee a day decreased the chance of premature death by 10 percent.
But the study did uncover some similarities that should come as no surprise.
Exercise is important with those who were active for 15 to 45 minutes a day reduced their chances of premature death by 11 percent, researchers found.
Hobbies are also important and at least two hours a day should be spent on them to reduce your risk of premature death.
Moderation is key
The study warned that overindulging in coffee and alcohol voids the benefits.
Researchers also pointed out that living a long life doesn’t always equate to a happy life with over 40 percent of those who lived past 89 suffering from some degree of dementia, the study found.
Finally proof that enjoying the finer things in life, in moderation, is good for us!
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