Most of us wish that we could live forever . . . or at least to the
milestone of 100! But few of us actually bother to do what it takes to increase our chances of a longer and healthier life – even though there are some really simple and quick ways to ensure longevity.
So, to show you just how easy it can be to get healthier and up your chances of making it to your 100th birthday, here is a list of seven health habits to help you live to 100. And even if you simply incorporate a few of them into your daily routine, you'll be steps ahead of Father Time.
Get moving . . . and keep at it.It’s no secret that staying active is one of the best things that you can do for your health. Moving around has a positive impact on all aspects of your health, both mental and physical. It keeps your weight down, your lungs functioning, your blood circulating, and your mood elevated so your stress levels are kept at a minimum. It’s the closest thing to a fountain of youth that you’ll ever come across! Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week.
Get enough sleep.Do your best to get at least seven hours of consecutive sleep every night. Eight or more is even better! Your cells heal and regulate while you sleep and REM sleep is crucial for the best results. Getting seven hours or more works best and is a common practice among those who have lived to 100. For your best sleep, make sure your sleeping environment is quiet, with no bright lights (
no TV, no iPad), and at a cool temperature.
Skip the supplements and get your nutrients from foods instead.As convenient as popping supplements may be to get your vitamins and other nutrients, there isn’t quite enough solid evidence to suggest that this actually works to give you the anti-aging perks that you may think. Instead of supplements, look to colorful fruits and vegetables and other whole foods for more benefits. BUT, if it’s a choice between supplements or no nutrients whatsoever, then by all means – go for the supplements!
Floss twice a day.It’s been shown that bacteria found in the mouth between the teeth can lead to hardening of the arteries and increased risk of heart disease and heart attack. Try to floss twice daily to help keep your heart and arteries healthy for a longer life. Oh, and your teeth too . . . Wouldn’t it be amazing to live to 100 with your own set of teeth? Think of all the money you’d save on denture cream!
Be social.You don’t need to join every group or be king of the community, but it has been shown that regular contact with friends and family can keep depression at bay and help you live longer. The
benefits of social interaction also include the safety net that comes from having someone else around to notice any health issues that you may not notice yourself as you age, thus resulting in getting you treatment sooner.
Don’t dwell on your troubles.Studies have found that many centenarians don’t dwell on problems or “sweat the small stuff.” Learning to roll with the punches and not letting things eat away at you and weigh you down goes a long way in keeping your stress levels low and your body strong.
Keep working.As much as you may long to retire from your job, you should know that many of those who outlive the norm did not stop working abruptly and go from working everyday into a life of total leisure . . . like so many of us are guilty of in the U.S. Those who live the longest tend to volunteer after retirement, spend their days working on their farm, or perform renovations as opposed to sitting around. This can keep your weight from increasing because you continue to be “active,” as well as help keep your mind active and functioning at its best.
