There must be something that we can learn from those who have survived a century or more? Many people are trying to figure this out and studying these people who have made it to 100. It is important to remember too that not only do you want to live long, you also want to have an enjoyable lifestyle at 100 as well. So what have the experts learned so far?
The New England Centenarian study published some information, not too long ago which we have summarized in the following. Note that as more information is learned, the ideas expressed here may change and be updated.
Genes play a critical and complex role in conferring exceptional longevity.
Lifestyle and our attitudes towards our bodies can help our genes or hurt them when it comes to living well into our 80’s, 90’s and even to 100!
- Almost no centenarians are obese. Obesity contributes to the biggest diseases in our country, like diabetes and heart disease.
- Smoking history is rare.
- Centenarians are better able to handle stress than the majority of people.
- 85% of centenarians are women and 15% are men.
- At least 50% of centenarians have first-degree relatives and/or grandparents who also achieve very old age. Again those Genes!
Live to be 100 Years Old – Keep on moving
Scientists in California found that people over 50 that exercised over 5 hours per week lived longer and functioned better physically and cognitively. They tracked participants who ran as an aerobic activity over 20 years to find that they all had “less heart disease, cancer, neurological diseases, and infections.” In other words, “Aerobic exercise keeps the immune system young.” So, if you aren’t moving you are decreasing your lifespan.
Make every calorie count
The standard American diet is very high in calories, typically 2,000 to 3,000 calories. Additionally, the high calories aren’t packed with vital nutrients, but instead sugar and fat.
- Eating a healthy diet doesn’t only mean decreasing your calories, but getting the most nutrition per calorie. The most nutritious foods include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Anti-oxidants: very simply put, an antioxidant is something that prevents or slows down oxidization. In much the same way as oxidation creates rust, causing a breakdown on the surface of an old car, oxidation inside the body causes a breakdown of cells. For instance, cholesterol in our bodies is not necessarily harmful until it becomes oxidized, which then causes it to start clinging to our blood vessels, which can then lead to clogging of our arteries. Antioxidants can help to prevent this. They can also provide other benefits to your skin and hair. Antioxidant vitamins include vitamins A, C and E. The most inexpensive way to get lots of anti-oxidants is to eat grapes or berries.
More Suggestions
- Fish Oil: contains Omega 3s. The typical American diet is missing the great benefits of Omega 3s which are found in high concentrations in fish. Omega-3 fatty acids slow the rate of damage to your genes. And, fish oils have many other protective anti-aging benefits such as decreasing bad cholesterol.
- Vitamin D: The lack of vitamin D can cause inadequate absorption of calcium, resulting in broken or brittle bones. As we age, deficiency in Vitamin D is common. The reason for this is because we make most of our Vitamin D from the sun. Most older individuals aren’t getting outside for long enough periods on a daily basis to make an adequate amount. Also, our skin (where Vitamin D is synthesized), gets less efficient at making Vitamin D altogether as we get older.
Aging is about attitude
If you respect your body, and have a positive optimistic outlook on life, you will tend to look after yourself more, eat the right foods, exercise and your years lived will be extended.
It is never to late to make changes to lifestyle.
As we grow older, it really is about quality of life. We want to be able to do many of the things we have always done and enjoy our families and grandchildren. We do not want to be constrained because we are overweight, or have heart problems or lung problems. Our bodies are really quite fantastic and can recover from many things, so why not give it some help now and focus on improving your lifestyle now! For more information about lifestyle and Live to be 100 Years Old, click here.