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6 Surprising Daily Habits That Could Add Years to Your Life – And Whether People Actually Do Them
People in the UK are skipping simple, science-backed habits that could add years to their lives – from laughing daily to cuddling pets and even enjoying a cup of coffee.
New research from Post Office has revealed less than half of UK adults (46%) know what they should be doing to live a long and healthy life1 – something that can also influence the type of life insurance cover someone might need. From getting enough sleep to eating five‑a‑day and practising mindfulness, there are some surprisingly small changes with big pay‑offs that people are missing out on.
Your health today can shape your future protection. Everyday habits like sleep, diet, and stress management don’t just influence how long you live, they can impact health conditions that life insurers often consider.
Here are six simple habits revealed in studies to help you live longer, and how many people across the UK actually do them.
- Spending time laughing every day – only 22% do this
Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress,2 while the Mayo Clinic studied a group of over 14,000 older adults, and found that people who laughed less were more likely to develop a functional disability.3
Women in the UK were more likely to laugh every day than men (23% vs 21%), while millennials were revealed to laugh the least (17% daily).
Why it matters for life insurance: Regular laughter reduces stress and supports overall health, which can lower the risk of conditions that life insurers often take into account when assessing cover
- Spending time with pets – A third (34%) do this every day
Studies show that having pets can reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing, including lowering blood pressure. These benefits aren’t just good for your health and longevity—they can influence conditions that life insurers often consider, such as heart health. In fact, research has found that owning a dog is associated with a 23% lower risk of mortality4
In the UK, men are significantly less likely than women to do this every day (28% vs 39%). People in Liverpool spend the most time with pets (54% daily).
Why it matters for life insurance: Lower stress and healthier blood pressure from pet ownership can reduce long-term health risks—factors that influence life insurance eligibility and premiums.
- Getting 7-8 hours sleep a night – only 1 in 5 (22%) do this
Studies show that sleeping less than 7 hours a night increases the risk of early death. The research shows that men who slept less than 7 hours had a 16% higher mortality risk compared to 14% for women5. However, only about a quarter of men (25%) and a fifth of women in the UK (20%) achieve this daily.
Longevity coach, Ann Parker, commented: “Making this a daily habit stimulates your immune system, balances your hormones, boosts your metabolism, increases your physical energy and improves the functioning of your brain.”
Why it matters for life insurance: Consistent sleep improves heart health and lowers disease risk, both of which are key considerations in life insurance applications.
- Drinking coffee – 48% of adults do this every day
Drinking coffee in moderation has been found to increase life expectancy – a study found that 1‑2 cups a day were associated with two years longer life expectancy at age 50.6
Why it matters for life insurance: Moderate coffee consumption has been linked to better heart health and longevity, which can impact the health profile insurers use when determining cover.
- Eating five fruit and vegetables a day – Only 20% of adults do this
Eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables every day reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer 7. The perfect amount was found to be two fruit and three portions of vegetables.
“Having whole fruit is important in this area. Too many juices and smoothies will spike your blood sugar. Concentrate on having whole portions to maximise the benefit” adds Martin Werth at a.genius, a longevity app.
Gen Z (18–24) leads the way on this, with a quarter (25%) meeting the five-a-day target compared to just 14% of 55–64s.
Why it matters for life insurance: A balanced diet helps prevent chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes—two major factors that affect life insurance costs and availability
- Practice mindfulness and meditation – only 10% do this daily
A study of the elderly found that taking part in regular meditation had a positive impact on survival rates8Doing this every day can help lower cortisol levels and improve sleep quality. Gen Z were the group most likely to do this every day (25%) while those aged 55-64 were the least likely to (6%).
In countries where meditation is deeply embedded in daily routines, such as Japan, life expectancy tends to be among the highest globally9. While many factors contribute to this, regular mindfulness practices are associated with lower stress and better overall health, highlighting a potential area for improvement in UK longevity habits10.
Why it matters for life insurance: Lower stress and improved sleep from mindfulness can reduce the likelihood of stress-related illnesses, which insurers consider when setting premiums
Ann added: “Longevity isn’t just about living longer – it’s about living better for longer. In today’s busy and stressful environment, it can be hard to prioritise health especially when people are young and think we are going to live forever. But there are simple things people can do to help them protect their future selves.”
Paul Paddock, CEO of Post Office Insurance, commented:
“These findings show how everyday habits can have a big impact on long-term health, something many people don’t consider when planning. At Post Office, we believe future planning isn’t just about finances; it’s about wellbeing too. Healthy habits today can help you live better for longer. While they don’t change the terms of a life insurance policy, lifestyle factors often influence health conditions that life insurers consider. Understanding how habits like sleep, diet, and stress management affect wellbeing can help people make informed choices. Ultimately, it’s not just about living longer, it’s about making sure you and your loved ones are financially protected, whatever life brings.”
To learn more, visit: https://www.postoffice.co.uk/life-cover/ life-insurance
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