Man (103) reveals secret to a long life

Growing old is a gift that many people do not get to experience.

According to StatsSA, the average life expectancy in South Africa is 65 for women and 60 for men.

Some things like terminal illnesses, fatal accidents, and murder are out of your control, but there are ways to improve your life expectancy.

Eating healthy foods and regular exercise are two good places to start, but you might want to add one more thing to the list.

An American man named Edward Lawrence Sr. recently celebrated his 103rd birthday. The South Carolina native worked as a plumber and maintenance supervisor.

Not even retirement could stop him from keeping busy. His family told reporters that he continued working as a plumber until he was 99.

When asked what his secret to a long life is, the answer was simple.

"Eat and mind your own business," he said.

ALSO READ: Do married people begin to look alike as the years pass?

Mr Lawrence is not wrong! Getting involved in other people's business can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety.

According to Mayo Clinic, not only does stress affect you mentally, but it can also affect you physically.

"Stress that's not dealt with can lead to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes," the nonprofit academic medical center wrote on its website.

Some of the ways it recommends reducing stress (aside from minding your own business) are to eat a healthy and balanced diet, keep a great sense of humour, and spend more time with loved ones.

So, do yourself a big favour this December and mind your business!

ALSO READ: Perfect mom pressure: Sam Cowen's candid chat on motherhood