What are the Secrets to Longevity? – 8 Factors to Consider
What are the secrets to living a long and functional life? Does the secret lie in your genetic make-up, diet, your activity level, how much you sleep, how you handle stress, your mindset, whether you smoke or drink, or how sociable you are? Well, if you said yes to all of these you are most likely correct. In this article I will explore why some people reportedly live a longer, and good quality of life whereas others who are not so fortunate seem to suffer from illness or debilitating disease much earlier than they should, thereby breaking down the systems in their body, causing a shorter life span or a life of poor quality in their later years. So, let’s look at what the fountain of youth really is about.
1. Let’s first talk about something that may surprise you. This fact has been reported by Dr. Sanjay Gupta and has been reported by other researchers as well. We will give this point to be the first and foremost in terms of importance. It seems as if people who have a purpose or passion in life, something that they wake up in the morning thinking about and go to bed at night with thoughts of, creates people who live a long life. The Japanese call this “ikigai” meaning that they have this sense of purpose. There is also a secondary benefit in this; your brain is working more if you have a purpose or a passion in life. Exercising the brain contributes to living better at an older age.
2. Genetic factors contribute 25% towards your overall longevity.
3. People who live to a ripe old age are active almost every day. Not necessarily an active exercise program, but walking, movement of some kind throughout their years. They don’t sit still for long.
4. Sleep does affect how our bodies function. In some European countries people go to bed at a very late hour and get up at sunrise. But in the afternoon they catch a nap for a few hours. This appears to be very effective for a long life.
5. People who eat more natural foods, foods that are not processed live longer. In America we are eating large portions of processed foods that have been chemically altered. We do yo-yo dieting and don’t get enough of the natural nutrients that we should. Fast food restaurants have become very popular causing us as a nation to become fatter and less healthy. Also the portion sizes for our servings are much larger than most other countries.
6. Social contact is another factor that seems to keep people happier and healthier, hence a longer life span. There have been studies done in some Mediterranean countries, such as Greece and Italy and the older people get together all the time. They visit each day and it is the usual thing to eat together and visit. We know that when we feel appreciated and loved we thrive. Many of these older people live in smaller villages and are more supportive than we are with each other, especially in larger cities.
7. Moderation is another key to living longer. If you eat and drink in moderation you can stay off the fad diets and you are not always trying to play catch up with your weight and your health. Red wine is healthy for you, in moderation. Alcohol does not have the same benefits as red wine. Smoking is definitely something we should not be doing if we want to live a long, healthy life. Smoking can cause many diseases.
8. You have heard the saying, ‘stop and smell the roses”. This is one more factor to be aware of if you want to live, say to be 100! Studies have shown that people who are able to go with the flow, don’t let life events get the best of them fare far better than others. So if it’s hard for you to do this, try some meditation, yoga or visual imagery.
So think about these factors and how they might affect your potential for a long life!
