Right now, the typical 50-year-old American can expect to live another 30 to 33 years, according to government statistics. But based on the new study, those who maintain five lifestyle habits could add roughly a decade to that life expectancy.

The key factors include the usual suspects: not smoking; eating healthy; exercising regularly; maintaining a normal weight; and drinking only in moderation.

But researchers said the new findings put those lifestyle choices in a different perspective.

"Our findings have significant public health implications, because they demonstrate the great potential of diet and lifestyle changes in improving life expectancy," said senior researcher Dr. Frank Hu. He is chair of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.

MORE: WWW.LIFETIP.XYZ

Are we Americans too?