Surprising Daily Habits of People Who Live Past 90

By Didi Atkins - Jun 8, 2025

This article appeared in urbanaunty.com and has been published here with permission.

What's the secret to living to 90? It’s more than just good genes or good luck! Many people who make it to their 90s share a few simple daily habits that keep them sharp, engaged, active, and content. Below are 30+ surprisingly simple habits of people who are long living or otherwise commonly known for living long — many of which you can do today.

Eat Well, Live Long

My grandma swore by her morning oatmeal and a spoonful of olive oil — said it “greased the joints!” The reality is, most people who make it to 90 are not living on fast food. They eat real food. Veggies, fish, beans, fruit. Not because they have to, because they have always done it that way.

Pexels // Ella Olsson

They don’t obsess over diets or calories either. They just know what makes them feel good and stick with it. And hey, if they sneak a cookie now and then, they do it with zero guilt.

Choose Supportive Friends

Turns out, who you hang out with might matter more than how many steps you take. People who live long often have tight-knit circles — friends who show up, tell the truth, and don’t let you wallow too long. You don’t need a huge crowd. Just a few people who actually like you.

Pexels // MART PRODUCTION

Someone once said, "You're the average of the five people you spend the most time with." So maybe don’t spend all your time with your cat. Unless your cat's a great conversationalist.

Sleep Is Non-Negotiable

Sleep is where the magic happens. No kidding. Long-lifers don’t brag about pulling all-nighters. They sleep, and they sleep well. Most go to bed early, wake up early, and they don’t feel badly about their naps. One lady told me, “I never met a problem that looked the same after a good sleep.”

Pexels // Pixabay

They understand their body isn't a machine. It's more like a plant. Needs water, sunlight, and rest. Forget hustle culture — your pillow is calling and it might be the thing that adds 10 years to your life.

Move Your Body Daily

Nobody said you have to run marathons. Most people that live into their 90s just don’t stop moving. They walk... garden... dance. We know a guy in his 90s that's still chopping wood. Why not? It doesn’t have to be glamorous.

Pexels // Flo Dahm

Just keep it consistent. Keep the joints and the blood moving. Holding the same position for too long is practically asking for everything discouraging, from stiffness to sadness, to come your way. Get up, shake it out, stretch.