Although most people think longevity is solely related to genes, it really depends on genes, attitude and lifestyle.
Centenarians attribute their long lives to eating well, being optimistic and keeping busy. The Census Bureau estimates that by 2050, there will be 1.1 million people 100 years or older. Do you want to be one of them?
My mom is 91 years old and, while she has macular degeneration, she reads the paper daily, and contributes her own poetry, articles and jokes to her retirement home’s newspaper. She plays cards with her peers, goes to all the entertainment and eagerly enjoys the outings offered by her facility.
There are several things you can do to start living well and working your way to the triple digit numbers.
- Be your own best advocate when it comes to your health. Know what medicines you’re taking, why your taking it and for what duration. Know if your medications have any contradictions and be aware of all side effects. Explore alternative ways you can deal with your condition so you can perhaps eliminate some of the medicines. The reason why this is important is to keep your medications simple and your side effects low.
- Be smart about what and how much food you consume. Nobody forces you to finish what’s on your plate. Research shows that portion size has increased and that it is related to an increase in obesity. Therefore, understand that you, and only you can reduce your food consumption. Do it because obesity is related to many debilitating illnesses, which shorten your hopes for a long lifespan. Conscious eaters have lower blood pressure, reduced body fat and diminished risks for heart disease and even cancer.
- Associate with other optimistic, light-hearted people. As you age, you’ll notice that discussions tend to be directed toward illness or misfortune. Avoid those conversations by focusing on how much you appreciate your life and how good it’s been for you. Some people also try lifestyle changes, like meditation, relaxation, and yoga exercises to keep their perspective upbeat and focused on the sunnier side of the spectrum. Others seek professional help through cognitive-behavioral therapy to change their negative thoughts into more logical, hopeful thinking. Your body tends to thrive when you feel supported, encouraged and connected.
- If your goal in the latter part of your life is to have long-term loving relationships and many special friends, that is a good recipe for longevity. Maintaining strong social groups and lively interactions keeps you alert, active and involved.
- Experience open-air environments. The less pollution you experience, the healthier you will feel and be. If you can’t move out of the city, make visits to the beach, lake resorts or other open areas a weekly adventure. The further you are from car exhausts, factory residue and other pollutants, the less your body has to work to fight off these harmful toxins.
Successful aging is really based on good psychology and lifelong choices.
Therefore, start now to reduce your stress, to keep your mind active and occupied, and to be the best you can be.
While age keeps creeping up, there is hope that you can turn the clock around and be healthier in your later years. The goal is to not only live longer, but also to live healthier.
Being 90, with a poor quality of life, is not something to aspire towards. Rather, if you can be as healthy as a 60-year-old, that is really something. It is not too late to change your lifestyle to reflect a healthier way of being, and the time to start is now.
Therefore, be aware of how your behaviors may be sabotaging your health and well-being. The fountain of youth is right at your fingertips. Grab hold and don’t let go.
Read more posts by Amy Sherman here. Amy blogs for JenningsWire.