Living A Long Life
There are lots of factors that can influence how long we live. Certainly, many of us have thought about the longevity of our lives at one time or another. Does what work for one, work for all? Certainly there are good habits, routines and activities of our daily lives that can promote good health and possibly lengthen our days. Then there are other lifestyle choices which we should stay away from altogether; or if we indulge in such habits (whatever they may be), we should discontinue such habits to restore our bodies to a healthy state of being/living.
What Contributes to Living a Long Life:
Many who have been successful/blessed to live a long life have stated that keeping motivated to enjoy life and doing for others has faired them well in the lengthening of their days.
Dan Buettner: How to live to be 100+
Here are some ideas from those who are living a long life, or who have lived one:
*Continuing to work, even after retiring - volunteering
*Treating others well
*Living a clean and good life.
*Participating in hobbies and crafts.
*Helping and/or caring for others.
*Exercise: Gettting adequate physical activity such as daily walks, tai-chi or yoga (even gardening and maintaining a clean home and decorating and redecorating.
*Staying well hydrated
*Optimistic outlook on life: Facts have shown that a positive outlook on life increases onces lifespan and pessimism decreases it.
*Keeping your stress level low: All of us have stress in some form, but focusing on ways to relieve stress and not succumb to it helps us live longer.
*Maintaining a healthy social life: A circle of friends, family and social ties has been found to be more important for a long life than even diet/exercise. If mobility is limited, you can invite people to your home or become a part of a social organization that focuses on self-sufficiency, positive communication and interaction.
*Nutritious meals: Lots of good home cooked meals, less and less fast foods, lots of fruits and vegetables. Limiting intake of alcohol, caffeine, fried foods and making good use of olive oil when cooking (even on salads as dressing).
*Continuing Education: Take a class. Becoming more adept at what you know or are interested in and/or learning something new helps the brain to stay well tuned and functioning properly. Reading, writing and working puzzles also helps brain activity.
Rest/Relaxation/Sleep: Get sufficient hours of sleep and rest and relax when needed
Do You Know:
It's never too late to trade bad habits for good ones. People are living longer and it helps to focus on being happy, being self sufficient , seeking ways to overcome lifes' challenges and not spend time worrying about them. If you are taking steps to improve yourself and your lifestyle, adopt a confident/patient attitude about positive results. "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
(8-7-2011)
