Most people would like to live to be 100, especially if they can continue to be healthy and active. Physicians from ancient times to the present had ideas on how to keep us healthy and slow aging. And for centuries, diets have been used to promote longevity. In the last century, with advances in science, we have made many discoveries in animal models, learning what makes animals live longer.
The average life expectancy in the world.
Besides the five regions studied in the Blue Zone research, there are many other regions in the world where people lived and prospered until the Golden Age. The average life expectancy in Monaco, for example, is 89.4 years. In Japan and Singapore 85.3 years. In Hong Kong and Iceland 83 years. In Korea, Israel, Switzerland, Australia, Canada and Italy 82.5 years. In France, Sweden and Norway, about 82 years, and in the United States, 78.6 years.
What are the secrets to a long life and healthy aging?
Who better to ask than some of the oldest among us: centenarians, who have passed the age of 100. A recent survey of centenarians reveals common life choices and advice for all members of this group. The first tip might surprise you!
Stay up to date:
One of the keys to longevity seems to be keeping up with the times. While this goes against the stereotype that older people can’t or won’t learn anything new, a growing number of centenarians are embracing new media and technology. 11% of respondents watched a video on YouTube and 8% sent an SMS, which proves that you are never too old to learn!
Keep in touch :
Daily communication with loved ones can also contribute to a longer life. Of those surveyed, 82% talk to a friend or family member every day.
Eat, sleep and exercise:
Three-quarters of respondents strive to eat nutritious, balanced meals and get eight hours of sleep a night. Almost half of them take a walk or hike once a week, which helps them maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives and feel better mentally and physically. The New England Centenarian Study, conducted by Boston University School of Medicine, found that few centenarians are obese and almost always thin, especially men.
Stay true to your habits:
Many of the longest-lived have a penchant for daily and weekly routines. Whether it’s connecting with others, staying fit, or engaging in a “spiritual” activity on a regular basis, it helps them stay centered.
Volunteering:
Giving back is another way to stay healthy and happy in the long run. Nearly 90% of centenarians believe that volunteering helps improve emotional health and can make people happier. 17% have volunteered in the past six months.
To feel satisfied:
It is often said that the key to happiness lies in appreciating what we have. Centenarians seem to prove it: the oldest people have few regrets and say they are satisfied with the life they have led. Demonstrating a great capacity for adaptation and resistance, nearly 80% of them declared that they would have done nothing less and more than 60% that they would have done nothing more in their life. In the end, what more can one expect from a long life?
