Spend some time outside in daylight
Women who deliberately avoided the sun had life expectancy 0.6–2.1 years shorter than those with the most exposure. Nonsmokers who avoided sunlight had a similar life expectancy to smokers in the highest-exposure group.
What it takes
Free. Ten or so minutes daily can fit into commuting or lunch breaks.
What you may gain
A Swedish cohort followed about 29,500 women for 20 years. Compared with the highest sun-exposure group, those avoiding the sun had 0.6–2.1 years less life expectancy. The authors reported similar life expectancy in sun-avoiding nonsmokers and smokers with the greatest sun exposure.
Context & considerations
Sweden's high latitude and limited sunlight restrict transferability to China. People avoiding sunlight may already be frail or reluctant to go outside. Do not get sunburned; cover up in strong midday sun because exposure increases skin-cancer risk.
Research & references
Lindqvist PG, Epstein E, Nielsen K, et al. (2016). Avoidance of sun exposure as a risk factor for major causes of death: a competing risk analysis of the Melanoma in Southern Sweden cohort. Journal of Internal Medicine, 280(4), 375-387. https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.12496