After turning 50 earlier this year – and landing the biggest job of her career shortly afterwards – new Strictly queen Emma Willis has revealed that she’d quite like to become a centenarian.
‘I’d like to think of my lifetime as 100 years,’ Emma recently told The Telegraph. ‘It probably won’t be, but in an ideal world, if we’re all being optimistic, that would be great. I’m halfway through, and that first half has gone very, very quickly. So this second half, I need to stop worrying about the s–t I’ve worried about for the past 50 years, and just enjoy however many days I have left with the people that are still here, doing a job that I love with the man I love, and my kids who are great, and my parents who just mean the world.’
It’s fitting, then, that research has linked being optimistic to a longer lifespan.
But when it comes to health and longevity, Emma also puts work in beyond simply being optimistic.
Although she’s trying not to stress about things she can’t control, the former Women’s Health cover star prioritises several important health habits in her efforts to extend her healthspan (the number of years lived in good health and free from chronic disease), not just her lifespan.
Emma’s 5 key health habits1. Strength training
Having previously spoken to Emma and her personal trainer Rob Solly, we know that Emma prioritises strength work, often doing full-body, time-efficient workouts that support her cardio fitness, too.
Skeletal muscle mass is a key marker of longevity, so Emma is certainly on the right track here.
But Emma is also mindful of recovery – and takes a balanced view of exercise.
‘I’m someone that enjoys reformer pilates and weight training but I can go days without doing any exercise when life is busy so if you are the same, don’t feel guilty at all,’ Emma recently told Women’s Fitness. ‘My best advice once you reach your fifties is to try and do some strength training which is so important to keep our bones strong as we age.’
2. Minimal alcohol
Emma also told The Telegraph that she barely drinks anymore, and considering the fact that science says ‘no level of alcohol consumption is safe for health’, this in itself can have health and longevity benefits.
3. Balanced nutrition
‘I have a sweet tooth so if offered a piece of cake I’ll have it but I also like to eat well,’ Emma – who has high cholesterol – told Women’s Fitness, adding that fibre, which supports gut health and can help lower cholesterol, is her ‘new best friend’.
4. A simple supplement stack
Alongside eating well and taking a food-first approach to nutrition, Emma has revealed that she does take a few supplements, including omega-3 and collagen, as well as magnesium at bedtime.
Research has identified potential benefits for all of the above, but the effectiveness of supplementation varies depending on individual nutritional needs and deficiencies.
One study found that when combined with vitamin D and exercise, omega-3 supplements may slow biological ageing.
5. Positive thinking
As we know, optimism and positive thinking have been linked to longevity in a growing body of research.
‘I’m actually a big worrier and a very anxious person so I try to reframe my mindset into a more positive one when my head starts to overthink,’ Emma told Women’s Fitness. ‘My mum always told me to look for the light in the darkness which is some of the best advice I’ve had.’
Amen, Emma’s mum.
Hannah Bradfield is a Senior Health and Fitness Writer for Women’s Health UK. An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Hannah graduated from Loughborough University with a BA in English and Sport Science and an MA in Media and Cultural Analysis. She has been covering sports, health and fitness for the last five years and has created content for outlets including BBC Sport, BBC Sounds, Runner’s World and Stylist. She especially enjoys interviewing those working within the community to improve access to sport, exercise and wellness. Hannah is a 2024 John Schofield Trust Fellow and was also named a 2022 Rising Star in Journalism by The Printing Charity. A keen runner, Hannah was firmly a sprinter growing up (also dabbling in long jump) but has since transitioned to longer-distance running. While 10K is her favoured race distance, she loves running or volunteering at parkrun every Saturday, followed, of course, by pastries. She’s always looking for fun new runs and races to do and brunch spots to try.