New research conducted by the UC Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders monitored the health habits of 1,700 people aged between 90 and 99. Beginning in 2003, Dr Claudia Kawas, a University of California specialist, and her team investigated the secret to long life.
Interestingly, not only did they find that a couple of glasses of beer or wine saw you 18 per cent less likely to die a premature death, but those slightly overweight were three per cent less likely to meet one's end early.
"I have no explanation for it, but i do firmly believe that modest drinking improves longevity," said Kawas, speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference.
The 15 year study also revealed other key findings: two hours a day practicing a hobby led to a 21 per cent decrease in the risk of premature passing while 15 to 45 minutes a day of physical activity reduced your chances by 11 per cent.
If you're looking for a healthy choice of drink, a recent study found craft beer is healthier than red wine.