Shop Your Way to a Longer Life

Don't feel too guilty about that weekly trip to the shopping mall, electronics boutique, or local thrift store. Turns out shopping may actually be good for you!

In a study, seniors who shopped every day enjoyed mortality rates that were about 27 percent lower compared with their peers who rarely or never shopped.

Long Life for Sale
Researchers aren't exactly sure what the connection is between shopping and longevity. It might be that frequent shopping led to decreased mortality. Or it's possible that healthier, more functional seniors were simply able to shop more. But researchers posit that frequent shopping might boost health because it causes people to be more active and requires lots of walking. And mingling with sales people and fellow shoppers may offer opportunities to socialize -- something that's good for emotional health and well-being. Or people who love to shop may simply get a psychological boost from engaging in an activity they enjoy -- another key part of living a longer life. (Related: Find out why protecting your telomeres helps you live longer.)

Shop Around
Of course, if shopping is stressful or depresses you, there's no reason to do it any more than you have to. And if you have a problem with spendy impulse buys, that's a good reason to avoid frequent trips to your local big-box store. But if you've got the time, the inclination, and the ability to resist blowing your budget, a little window shopping or budget-light discount shopping with a friend may be perfectly good for you. And given that we're an aging population, with 1 in 5 people expected to be age 65 or over by 2030, it's great to have a fun, social way to stay young. (Related: Log your daily steps with this walking tracker.)

Be as young as you can be! Visit the YOU: Staying Young Center for grow-younger tips, foods, videos, games, and advice.