Factors that have been shown to affect the aging process

Socioeconomic status

Level of education

Level of physical and cognitive functioning

Living arrangement such as one of high social status or living arrangement of very low social status

Ethnicity

A mental and emotionally challenging lifestyle 

Longevity and quality of life are also very much determined by what a person does to maintain his or her own physical and mental health. Examples of this might include  

Receiving timely and effective medical care

Maintaining a healthy weight 

Eating nutritious meals

Getting the right amount of sleep

Consistently getting adequate exercise

Avoiding excessive use of alcohol, smoking and other non-healthy habits

Maintaining social stimulation

Maintaining mental stimulation

Maintaining a positive attitude towards life

Avoiding stress

Getting help with depression

Presented by Thomas Day, Director of the National Care Council