Nicolas Flamel sought eternal life in the philosopher's stone, Gilgamesh in a magical plant, Lancelot in the Holy Grail. We're no closer to the Fountain of Youth than conquistador Ponce de León. Nevertheless, psychologists persist in searching for real-life factors linked with longevity—and have come up with some surprising discoveries. —Sarah Stanley
+3 months: Having your pick of mates
A man with a good shot at getting a girlfriend may live three months longer than men who outnumber local women, a Harvard study finds. Scientists combed U.S. Census data for 7 million men and found that even marriage, typically a life-extender, can't mitigate the life-shortening effects of early mate competition. "Delayed marriage or 'low quality' spouses could mean fewer health benefits," says study author Lei Jin, "and more intense competition leads to stress."
+10 months: Being born in a boom
People born when the economy is strong live longer than those born in slumps, University of Mannheim research shows. Good nutrition for fiscally secure moms during pregnancy eventually decreases their kids' heart-disease-related mortality. And children of well-off parents handle stress better themselves: "Early exposure to stress may lead to irreparable neural damage," says coauthor Gerard J. van den Berg.
2+ years: Starting school right on time
Starting first grade before the age of 6 can actually shorten the life span, according to U.C. Riverside scientists. Difficulty relating to classmates may beget adjustment and education problems, which later affect longevity. "We're not saying you can live longer by starting school later," says researcher Howard Friedman. "But you need to carefully consider whether a child is ready for formal schooling."
2+ years: Winning a Nobel Prize
Male Nobel Prize-winning scientists live longer than those who were only nominated, according to Warwick University researchers. Animal studies have shown that high-status critters have better access to resources. But prize winners who received more money (and could presumably afford better health care, etc.) didn't live any longer. Researchers suspect the psychological benefits of status improve health.
+4 years: Stressing sensibly
Stress isn't necessarily the enemy it's often made out to be. Friedman and colleagues found that people who are very successful in their careers—as measured by factors like income and fame—live longer than those who are least successful. The key is avoiding bad stressors, such as interpersonal workplace tensions, while welcoming the challenges of the actual work, he says. The ability to leave behind that laid-back attitude in favor of motivation and productivity can lengthen life.
