Keys To Living a Longer Life

Dr. David Agus reveals tips to INSIDE EDITION for living a longer life, and some may surprise you.

He's one of the nation's leading physicians: Dr. David Agus, CBS This Morning Medical Contributor and now author of the new book, A Short Guide To A Long Life.

Everybody wants to live a long and healthy life and this book lists 65 rules that you should live by to achieve that goal. Some are just common sense. Others may surprise you.

Like, eat more than three servings of cold-water fish a week.

Dr. Agus told INSIDE EDITION's Diane McInerney, "Cold water fish are things like salmon, cod, halibut."

A glass of red wine can also help you live a longer life, so have a glass of wine with dinner.

"I say drink wine in moderation. So, a glass of wine a night, a few nights a week, actually has a health benefit," said Dr. Agus.

Find out more tips how to live a longer life by watching the interview with Dr Agus.

Another rule: start a sensible caffeine habit. Caffeine in moderation has positive health benefits, but you should cut back on it after 2:00pm so it won't interfere with the sleep you need.

And while we all know about the benefits of exercise, you don't have to spend long hours at the gym.

Dr. Agus says, jack your heart rate up 50 percent for at least 15 minutes every day.

"If you want to achieve good cardiovascular health, at least 15 minutes a day, try to get your heart rate 50 percent higher from where it starts," said Dr. Agus.

There are other helpful rules like:   

  • Take a daily baby aspirin to prevent strokes and heart attacks.
  • Get your annual flu shot, even if you never get sick.
  • And this one: Buy a pooch. Dog lovers actually live longer.


"A dog puts you on a regular schedule. Having a dog is a very powerful way to keep our brain good and our body good," states Dr. Agus.

Also, never skip breakfast. Avoid sunburns. And how about this one: get naked.

Agus says, "Get naked is a key one. You've got to look at your body. You see your doctor once a year at most. You see your body every day."

Stiletto heels are all the rage, but did you know you can live longer by not wearing high heels?

"Any shoes that at the end of the day, your foot hurts, that's not a good thing. Inflammation is what causes the pain. Inflammation leads to heart disease, cancer and brain decline in the long run. So wear comfortable shoes," he proclaims.

If you're thinking of juicing as a way to eat more fruits and vegetables, Dr. Agus says, think again. His rule: avoid juicing.

"As soon as you put fruit and vegetables in a blender, they degrade almost instantaneously. Eat the real food. There's no such thing as a cleanse. Just live well," he said. 

And who could argue with this rule....smile and be positive.

Dr. Agus says, "People need to go to the ninth or tenth decade, avoid disease and have a long, quality life. The way we do it is to be positive."