Listen to “5 Secrets to Longevity”.
Many people think that life expectancy is mostly determined by genetics. However, it turns out that genes play a much smaller role than originally believed. Environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle are the actual keys to a longer, healthier life.
Thanks to medical advances and our increased knowledge about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, people today are living longer than ever before. Several core elements contribute to a healthy, happy, long life.
Here are 5 tips for living well and maintaining your optimal health:
Avoid obesity
As we age, our bodies change, and the risk of our becoming overweight increases. Being overweight can reduce your longevity as excess pounds put you at higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
Help prevent weight gain as you age by focusing on foods that are good for you and exercise, to ensure that you burn as many calories as you consume. Also, be sure to step on the scales regularly to keep your weight under control.
Keep calm
While we might not be displaying obvious signs of stress, cortisol—the hormone associated with stress—wreaks havoc on our mental and physical health over time.
It’s essential to make time to clear your mind and bring some peace into your life, even if you’re not feeling particularly anxious.
Make time to meditate, focus on gratitude and distance yourself from negative self-talk and worry.
Stay active
It’s essential to keep moving, no matter how old you are. Exercise keeps your brain and body healthy.
Healthy adults should aim for 150 minutes of activities per week, which get your heart going and your blood pumping. The key isn’t how or where you get active, just that you start moving.
Eat proper amounts of nutritious food.
A meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal found that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of mortality, especially from heart disease. Aim for at least five servings a day, avoid junk food and reduce your meat consumption.
Friends, social networks, and family
Both family and friends are associated with happiness and better health. One of the longest-running Harvard studies has concluded that: “There are 70 years of evidence that our relationships with other people matter, and matter more than anything else in this world.”
People with strong friendships stay healthier for longer. Therefore, one of the key secrets to a longer life is to stay curious about life, do what you love, and participate in your community.
