People who spend a lot of time shopping live longer and are less likely to suffer from depression says Adi Taraivosa Usavakarua.

The 21-year-old from Namama, Naduri in Macuata a sales agent with Vodafone at the Nadi International Airport was shopping at the Shop N Save Supermarket in Votualevu, Nadi earlier this week.

Adi Taraivosa lives at Votualevu; the supermarket is just four min­utes from her home.

“I like to buy a lot of things in an extravagant way. I love to spend my money for my family needs and wants,” Adi Taraivosa said.

“Some people buy expensive goods just because it gives them a good feeling and makes them feel rich,” she said.

“Those having low esteem shop because it gives an impression that they are doing well in life.”

A new study has revealed that shopaholics who like a bit of daily retail therapy are likelier to live longer than people who open their wallets only once a week.

The research by University of Auckland has liked shopping to a longer lifespan, Stuff.co.nz re­ported. Researcher Janine Wiles, who looked at almost 2000 elderly Taiwanese, said people who are shopping frequently are quite likely having lots of social contact, which is also strongly associated with well-being.

Meanwhile, Massey University lecturer Juliana Mansvelt said another benefit may come from the physical activity of walking from store to store.

Adi Taraivosa added that shop­ping also gives a calming influence to some people and shopping usu­ally fulfills a buyer’s need.

“A consumer usually compares a variety of attributes, including suitability, quality, price and style,” she said.

“Supplying my family with healthful food options is a big part of managing a household and deter­mining how many times per month I should do grocery shopping.

“While planning out our meals we take into consideration as how often we would be eating frozen, canned foods, vegetables and fruits in a month.

“Groceries shopping less fre­quently definitely saves me time in the long run, but I love to do window shopping for other things when I have the time.”

Her older sibling accompanies her on her groceries shopping – her budget for a month is $350.

“We share notes and discuss as how to manage our budget. We make sure that what we are spend­ing is not an outrageous amount.

“Also we want to be complimented with what we’re buying because it makes us feel better.

“Few things we keep in mind during this event are to check the expiry date, check that veggies and frozen food are still fresh. We also buy the best and good quality of products.

“My message to readers is we need to buy the best and good quality of products because they help our family live a healthy lifestyle.

“And everything we do our chil­dren are watching and these are good healthy living habits