Want to live to 100? Move to a Walkable City

A recent study conducted by Washington State University's Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine found that the most common factor deciding whether someone will live to 100 or not is where they live. More specifically, if you live in a walkable neighborhood in a mixed-age community, you are more likely to reach centenarian age.

The study's senior author, Ofer Amram, also had this to say on the study: "We know from previous research that you can modify, through behaviour, your susceptibility to different diseases based on your genetics."

 In other words, even if your genetics aren't suited to living a long life, you can change that through your behavior. We already know that seeing a doctor for regular well visits and eating a healthy diet can change these factors, but where you live is evidently important as well.

Walkable cities and towns promote adult exercise, and community engagement. You are more likely to get out and exercise if you're not in danger of being plowed over by an SUV when you do so. You're more likely to connect with your neighbors if you have the opportunity to see them. You also may benefit indirectly, through lowered air pollution as more people choose to stretch their legs rather than use their cars to grab something from the store.

While it wasn't part of the story, how happy you are could also be a factor as well. The benefits of spending time outdoors is well documented, and if you live in a walkable city you just might get more of that outdoor time.

If you love where you live but it isn't walkable, consider writing your local politicians and asking that they make those changes. A walkable city will benefit your whole community, and help you live longer too.