Australia has more centenarians than ever, with 6,192 people aged 100+—a sharp rise over recent decades. Life expectancy remains high at 81.1 years for males and 85.1 for females in, despite a small dip linked to the COVID period.
As the World Health Organization puts it, healthy ageing is the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age. Let’s clear the myths and focus on habits that actually stack the odds
Myth: A sunny, optimistic disposition increases your life span.
An upbeat personality on its own will not extend life. The Longevity Project, which followed more than 1,500 people for 80 years, found that the cheery, happy-go-lucky group lived shorter lives. Those who lived longest were the persistent and prudent types. The more light-hearted group, guided by an everything-will-turn-out-fine mindset, tended to take more health risks as they aged, such as skipping recommended screenings.
That does not mean a dour outlook is better. Laughter has benefits—one study found older adults who laughed every day had lower rates of heart disease and stroke. Aim to enjoy life while taking a serious, consistent approach to maintaining your health.
Myth: Working too hard will put you in an early grave.
Hard workers actually show a 20 to 30% lower risk of early death in long-running longevity research that tracked more than 1,500 people over eight decades. Chronic take-home stress is harmful, but for many, the social connection and mental stimulation of work bring real benefits. In one study, healthy adults who delayed retirement by one year had an 11% lower risk of dying over an 18-year follow-up.
It is purpose, not pay, that appears to extend life. Research published in a psychology journal links a clear sense of purpose with longer lifespan. Purpose can come from many places—volunteering, caring for grandchildren, mentoring or joining a community club. “It is about the importance of community and being in service to others,” says general physician Dr Catherine Johnson.
Myth: If people in your family tend to die young, you will too.
Genetics influence longevity, but far less than many assume. Having a parent who lives past 70 nudges odds upward, yet lifestyle and environment carry more weight in the long run. In a cohort of more than 123,000 people, five habits—keeping a healthy weight, not smoking, regular exercise, a healthy diet and drinking in moderation—were linked to markedly longer life at age 50. Access to quality health care and clean air and water also matters, says physician Dr David Fein.
Still, discuss your family history with your GP. It can signal higher risk for conditions with genetic links and earlier or more frequent screening may lower that risk.
Myth: Ageing is the worst!
Some aspects of ageing are not ideal (neck wattle included), but it is far from all bad. Research has found that people who embrace ageing live about 7.5 years longer on average than those who dread it. One reason: a negative outlook can make people less proactive about seeking care when new symptoms appear, attributing issues to “just getting older” rather than addressing them. Even if a stiff joint or energy dip seems age related, it is worth speaking with your GP.
A quick example. Immune responses tend to weaken over time, which can push the body toward low-grade, chronic inflammation linked to heart disease and some cancers. The good news: lifestyle shifts can dial inflammation down—eat less sugar, move more, spend more time outdoors, manage stress and include omega-3 rich foods. “I used to say, ‘That is just what happens when you get older,’ but I have stopped saying that,” says Dr Johnson. “We can influence how our bodies age.”
Myth: It’s too late to do any good by giving up bad habits like smoking and tanning.
It is never too late to improve health or extend lifespan. Quitting smoking between 45 and 54 was associated with around six extra years of life compared with continuing to smoke in one large study. Becoming more active also helps people live longer, even if they have not exercised before. Daily sunscreen use has been shown to slow skin ageing over four years, including in middle age.
You cannot always erase past damage, but change is still worthwhile, Dr Johnson says. Start now, stack small habits and keep going.
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