7 Secrets to a Long and Healthy Life: Stay Active, Live by the Sea, Get Enough Sleep, Learn a New Skill, Stay Social, Eat Well, and Carry Out Regular Checks

Secrets to Living a Long and Healthy Life

It is believed that various factors such as genetics, a healthy diet, or simply luck can contribute to living to the age of 100. In this article, longevity experts share their insights on how to achieve a long and healthy life.

Stay Active

Experts have long emphasized the importance of staying fit and active to maintain healthy muscles, joints, and mind. Engaging in physical activity can also increase life expectancy. Caroline Abrahams, director of the charity Age UK, explains that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of depression, dementia, heart disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and certain types of cancer. Simple actions like taking the stairs or carrying shopping items with you can make a difference. Joining walking groups, exploring the countryside, or opting for walking instead of driving can offer additional benefits.

Health leaders recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.

Living Next to the Sea

Coastal areas have the highest percentage of centenarians, although experts aren’t entirely sure why. One possibility is that those who live by the sea are already healthy and affluent, choosing to retire in these areas. Coastal environments are known to reduce stress, and older individuals in these areas tend to enjoy a high standard of living, the ability to heat their homes, consume healthy food, exercise, and have a strong social network.

Get Some Sleep

Sleep plays a vital role in memory improvement, brain cell cleaning, metabolic regulation, and maintaining the immune system. The NHS advises adults to sleep between six and eight hours per night. However, as we age, it can become more challenging to get enough sleep. Abrahams suggests reducing daytime napping and caffeine intake, while finding relaxation techniques like reading, listening to the radio, or taking a shower before bed.

Learn a New Skill

Engaging in activities that stimulate the learning process, such as learning a musical instrument or a new language, can benefit overall health. A 2014 study found that learning two or more languages as an adult can slow age-related cognitive decline. Abrahams emphasizes the importance of being positive, open-minded, and willing to try new things as we age.

Stay Social

Regular social interactions have been proven to increase longevity. Older individuals who communicate frequently with friends and family are more likely to live longer. Spending time with loved ones can relieve stress and anxiety, while also encouraging physical activity and outdoor engagement.

Eat Well and Stay Hydrated

A healthy, balanced diet is essential for reducing the risk of cancer and circulatory diseases. Dr. Xinyao Liu of Central South University suggests that millions of deaths worldwide could be prevented by reducing the consumption of processed foods, trans and saturated fats, added salt, and sugar. Including fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils with fats from unsaturated sources is highly recommended. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water is also crucial for proper bodily function.

Carry Out Regular Checks

Scheduling regular eye exams, hearing exams, and dental visits can help detect diseases and infections early on. Abrahams advises having the eyes and glasses checked every two years to catch vision problems, as changes in vision can affect balance. Additionally, addressing any age-related hearing changes that impact daily or social life is crucial. Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels is also important for maintaining overall health.

Source: Daily Mail