Trevor Lunsford is a finance professional based in Washington, DC, who serves as a Director specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Trevor Lunsford began his career in investment banking and M&A advisory work in 2018, building experience across transaction execution, deal management, capital raising, and relationship development. Over the course of his career, he has worked closely with private equity–backed software companies and contributed to expanding vertical SaaS practices, while also mentoring and training junior team members. His work has been recognized with The M&A Advisor’s Emerging Leaders award.
Trevor Lunsford holds both a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a finance focus and a master’s degree in finance from Georgia State University. Outside of professional life, he maintains strong personal interests in fitness, hiking, fly fishing, and travel, along with an interest in health optimization. These pursuits naturally align with broader discussions around lifestyle habits, wellness, and longevity, which connect directly to the topic of factors that contribute to a long and healthy life.
Secrets to a Long Life
Research in many fields, especially health care, seeks to improve the quality of life and extend the human lifespan. Trends show these efforts have borne fruit to some extent. The World Health Organization reports that global life expectancy rose from 66.8 years in 2000 to a record 71.4 years in 2021. However, these gains have not been uniform. The US has seen little movement during the same period and shows a slight decline of about 0.3 years. Even so, extensive research points to key steps people can take to live longer and stay healthier.
Physical activity is a key proven longevity factor across traditional cultures and modern research. It supports heart and metabolic health, lowering stroke and heart disease risk. It builds muscle, bone strength, and balance. These changes help people stay steady and upright as they age. On a basic level, movement protects DNA and slows cellular aging. Activity doesn’t require a gym membership. Populations with the longest lifespans often incorporate movement through work, gardening, and walking. Experts advise at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.
Food choices shape lifespan and health. Whole foods provide cells with antioxidants and energy needed for maintenance, protection, and repair. High-sugar and heavily processed products work against these goals. Studies in regions with large populations living past 90 years point to plant-centered diets built on whole grains and vegetables. Scientists link the Mediterranean approach, a diet abundant in fresh produce, olive oil, and fish, to better cardiovascular health and brain function and lower cancer rates. In Okinawa, Japan, locals follow hara hachi bu, stopping eating at about 80 percent fullness to reduce metabolic strain.
Good diet also supports gut and brain health. Fermented foods feed beneficial gut bacteria, which boost immunity, cognitive clarity, and mood regulation. Research links strong dietary patterns with lower risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, helping preserve mental sharpness into later years.
The quality of a person’s relationships directly correlates with longevity. Family- or community-oriented people tend to live longer than those in isolation. Social bonds influence daily habits, reinforcing healthy behaviors while discouraging harmful ones. Research also shows married individuals often outlive single peers due to shared social and economic support.
Daily routines further influence longevity. Quality sleep allows the body to repair and supports brain function, while poor sleep raises risks of obesity and early mortality. Mental engagement through learning and hobbies preserves cognitive health. Avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive drinking also protects vital organs.
Spirituality and purpose contribute to long life by fostering meaning, hope, and emotional resilience. Concepts such as ikigai emphasize purpose as a foundation of well-being. Practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, and yoga reduce stress and support emotional balance, reinforcing both physical and mental health.
About Trevor Lunsford
Trevor Lunsford is a Director specializing in mergers and acquisitions, with experience across transaction execution, capital raising, and strategic advisory work for software and technology-focused companies. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance from Georgia State University and has been recognized with The M&A Advisor’s Emerging Leaders award. Outside of work, Trevor Lunsford maintains an active lifestyle centered on fitness, hiking, fly fishing, and travel.
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