Bidding farewell to a year that brought more TikTok wellness advice, an abundance of processed fake meats and news on weight-loss injectables, the pursuit of a fulfilling and enduring life has become more desirable than ever.

Longevity is not just about adding years to life, but ensuring those years are vibrant, active and deeply satisfying. Here are four practical healthy lifestyle habits to inspire people to continue making healthy choices that promote growth, longevity and overall well-being.

Walk after your meals

Don’t underestimate the benefits of straight-up walking for overall health. Not only does this improve cardiovascular fitness, but it also strengthens bones and muscles.

According to Michelle Ricker, a registered dietician nutritionist and director of Worldwide Health Education and Training at Herbalife and chair of the Herbalife Dietic Board, studies show that light exercise, such as going for a five- to 10-minute walk following a meal, can aide in digestion and lower blood sugar. Post-meal walks are therefore a secret weapon for boosting metabolism and overall weight management.

Regular brisk walking combined with healthy eating is extremely effective for weight loss, when overall energy output exceeds caloric intake. Walking also aids in the reduction of visceral fat, also known as belly or abdominal fat, which is particularly hazardous to one’s health. In fact, recent research published by the Journal of American College of Cardiology found that walking 800 to 10,000 steps per day cuts your risk of dying (all-cause mortality) by more than 50 percent.

Embrace the power of resistance training

An increasing number of studies, such as one published in the National Library of Medicine, are highlighting the importance of resistance training for overall physical health. They emphasize how maintaining and building lean muscle is key to longevity and a functioning metabolism.

Ricker highlights, “As we age, our bodies begin to lose muscle mass. This effect does not only decrease our strength, but it also begins to decrease our bone density, as our muscles are the support structure for our bones. By adding resistance training, and subsequent lean muscle mass, we not only support our bones, but we also will burn more calories at rest since muscle burns more than fat — another key to a strong metabolism.”

One could implement resistance training into their daily routine in a straightforward manner by performing push-ups, beginning with wall push-ups and progressing to the floor as their strength increases.