People are staying healthier and living longer now than in decades past. This gain in life expectancy can be credited in part to better nutrition, improved public health and sanitation, and the advent of vaccines and antibiotics. But medical science has also made great strides in understanding and treating debilitating, chronic conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

The stereotype of frailty in old age no longer applies as men take control of their own health by becoming better informed about health issues and their personal health risks. People today are also making better lifestyle choices, such as eating more healthfully, not smoking, and exercising regularly. Such healthy lifestyle choices have been shown to help prevent the development of heart disease and some cancers—the top two causes of death in the United States. These good health habits, along with regular medical checkups, can greatly increase your chances of living longer and healthier. Another way to reduce your risk of illness and early death is to avoid risky behaviors that could jeopardize your health.