Pets, painting and not working in an office voted among secrets to finding happiness
While some extol the virtues of eating steamed vegetables and getting plenty of exercise as the key to a long life, others claim you should enjoy everything in moderation.
So, what is the general consensus when it comes to living a longer, and happier, life?
To find out, healthcare group Bupa surveyed more than 2,000 adults about what the things they believe lead to living a prolonged and content existence.
A loving partner, being close to family, laughing everyday and enjoying nature were among the top tips participants gave, alongside getting eight hours sleep, owning a pet and having at least one close friend.
Performing small acts of kindness, listening to music and living in the countryside were also recommended, as were reading every day and getting plenty of sunshine.
When it comes to employment, participants said it was vital to have a job you enjoy, be surrounded by people you get along with and not work in an office.
The survey also found that creativity was especially important, with activities like painting, puzzles, drawing and playing musical instruments commended by those polled.
In fact, hobbies proved so significant that participants were found to have an average of two pastimes on the go at any time, choosing to dedicate more than 369 hours a year to them – the equivalent of 15 days.
According to the study, eating your five-a-day also has a positive effect on happiness, as does going on at least one big holiday a year and doing things for charity.
Joan Elliott, managing director of Bupa Care Services said: “We will all have our own theories on what makes for a happy and fulfilled life.
“Overall there are a number of themes within our top 50 secrets to a long and happy life namely love, friendship, creativity, eating well and being outside.
“Creativity appears to be especially important and perhaps this is because it stimulates the mind and allows us to express ourselves and release any frustrations.”
As well as providing a comprehensive list of top tips, the survey also found that 90 per cent of participants believe happiness improves overall health, with 37 per cent admitting they are happier now than they have ever been.
Top 50 secrets to a long and happy life:
A loving partner
Being close to family
Laughing every day
Doing regular exercise
Getting out and enjoying nature
Getting eight hours a sleep
Owning a pet
Having enough money to do what you want
Having a job you love
Playing with your children/grandchildren
Having a hobby
Having at least one really close friend
Getting your five-a-day
Living in the countryside
A small act of kindness every day
Reading every day
Having lots of friends
Having a good sex life
Having breakfast every day
Going on lots of little holidays
Listening to music every day
The Mediterranean diet
Seeing lots of the world
Looking after your appearance
Working with people you get along with
Making sure you get enough sun
Having treats like chocolate and cake in moderation
Avoiding alcohol
Going on a big holiday every year
Doing a crossword or Sudoku every day
Doing puzzles
Watching your favourite TV shows
Getting up early
Cooking every day
Relaxing with yoga or meditation
Eating whatever you want
Having a lie in at least once a week
Getting involved in the local community
Doing things for charity
Staying single
Going to events like concerts or sporting events
Going to the beach as much as possible
Doing something craft-related such as knitting or crochet
Not working in an office
Giving someone else a compliment every day
Having a good gossip
Taking/looking at photos every day
Painting or drawing
Getting a compliment from someone else every day
Playing a musical instrument every day
Last month, a survey published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggested that marriage is also a key factor finding contentment.
The study showed that a person's marital status ranks only below good health as a key reason why people feel happy.
The data, which came from an annual population survey for Great Britain from October 2017 to September 2018, found that marriage had overtaken economic wealth in the list of most important factors when people evaluate how fulfilled their lives are.
Married people rated their life satisfaction 9.9 per cent higher than widows and widowers, and 8.8 per cent higher than divorced or separated people.