The sheer amount of health information available today can make longevity seem like a complicated goal. But Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified heart surgeon, says research points to certain types of hobbies that can help people live longer.
In a video shared on August 19, Dr Jeremy discussed three categories of hobbies associated with longevity: physical movement, activities that engage the mind and hobbies that involve other people. He also explained why combining these three elements could offer greater benefits.
1. Hobbies that keep you moving
The first category involves hobbies that encourage physical movement. Dr Jeremy listed activities such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, biking, gardening, golf and tennis, as well as other sports.
He referred to a study involving more than 18,000 people and said those who engaged in these types of hobbies "lived longer and by a wide margin". He added that the study included adults who were walkers, bikers and runners.
2. Hobbies that engage your mind
The second category is made up of hobbies that keep the mind engaged. Dr Jeremy suggested activities including reading, writing, painting, playing music, playing cards and photography.
He stressed the importance of doing these activities consistently rather than simply taking them up occasionally.
3. Hobbies you do with others
The third category involves hobbies that are done with other people. Dr Jeremy said this was the category that surprised him, explaining that doing activities with others could maximise the benefits of the first two categories.
"Adding company seems to make the other two stronger," he explained.
Why combining all three could help
Dr Jeremy said the benefits can compound when all three categories are combined.
"One is good, two is better, three is best," he said. He described the best hobby as one that involves moving the body, engaging the mind, spending time with others and doing it consistently.
He also pointed out that people do not necessarily have to look beyond activities they already enjoy. "And in this culture of overwhelming information about what to do and what not to do. It's nice to know that the things that you're already doing and really enjoy make a big difference," he said.
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