The goal for many people is to live a strong, healthy life for as long as possible. While life is busy and it’s challenging to maintain a perfectly healthy lifestyle, there may be a contributing factor that determines whether you’ll live past 90 years old.

In a recent study published in “GeroScience,” researchers revealed a common biomarker found in people who live past 90. One of the largest studies ever conducted in this area compared biomarker profiles throughout the lives of individuals who lived to be over 100 years old.

The data examined 44,000 Swedes who underwent health assessments from ages 64 to 99. These participants were then tracked through Swedish registry data for nearly 35 years.

The study found that lower levels of glucose and creatinine (a waste product resulting from protein digestion and normal muscle tissue breakdown) were associated with individuals who reached their 100th year.

“We’ve had a significant increase in lifespan over the last century,” says Dr. Marie Bernard, deputy director of NIH’s National Institute on Aging (via News in Health).

While genetics can significantly influence a person’s potential lifespan, healthcare practices and environmental factors also play crucial roles.

The connection between glucose levels and longevity is complex. Your glucose curve determines the speed at which your blood sugar rises and falls by measuring blood glucose levels over the duration of insulin’s action.

Let’s be honest: your diet plays a huge role in determining your lifespan. A nutrient-dense, whole foods-based diet has been associated with increased life expectancy.

While people born in the US can expect to live to about 79, evidence suggests that you can increase your chances of living a long and active life.

Older people these days often maintain good health by staying active well into their 60s, 70s, and beyond. Despite bodily changes that may tempt them to move less and sit more, staying active helps reduce the risk of disease, disability, and premature death.

Bernard explains, “After more than 2 years, the physical activity group had less disability, and if they became disabled, they were disabled for a shorter time than those in the comparison group.”

There are many ways to promote a healthy lifestyle in your day-to-day life. If you need some inspiration, here are eight essential things you can implement into your everyday life.