EAT HEALTHY!
(This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.)
Experts studying the world’s longest-lived populations emphasize the significant impact of diet on lifespan. A Mediterranean-style eating pattern consistently emerges as a top recommendation.
Key elements of this diet, as highlighted by longevity experts like Dan Buettner, include:
- Plant-based focus: Prioritizing plant-based foods like legumes, nuts, whole grains, and a variety of vegetables, especially leafy greens.
- Limited red meat: Reducing or eliminating red meat consumption.
This dietary approach aligns with research suggesting its potential benefits for overall health and longevity.
GET MOVING!
Longevity experts advocate for regular physical activity, though the specific recommendations vary.
- Structured Exercise: Some experts emphasize structured exercise, such as strength training twice a week and aerobic exercise three times a week, even if it’s just 10 minutes per session. The New England Centenarian Study supports this approach, suggesting it increases the likelihood of living to 90.
- Daily Movement: Others emphasize the importance of consistent daily movement, even if it’s low-intensity. In “Blue Zones,” Dan Buettner observes that centenarians in these regions engage in regular, low-intensity physical activity through daily routines like walking, gardening, and manual labor.
Both approaches highlight the significance of incorporating physical activity into daily life for promoting longevity.
BELIEVE!
Dan Buettner, a renowned longevity expert, has interviewed numerous centenarians throughout his career. A significant observation from his research is the strong connection between longevity and faith.
- Faith and Longevity: In his research, Buettner found that 260 out of 263 centenarians he interviewed belonged to a faith-based community. Studies have shown that individuals who are religiously or spiritually active tend to live longer than those who are not.
- Faith and Happiness: Arthur C. Brooks, a leading happiness expert, emphasizes the link between faith and happiness. He argues that adhering to a religious or spiritual practice provides a sense of purpose and meaning in life, contributing to greater overall well-being.
These findings suggest that faith may play a crucial role in both physical and mental health, potentially contributing to increased longevity and overall life satisfaction.
HEALTHY RELATIOINSHIPS!
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development, spanning over 86 years, underscores the paramount importance of strong social connections for a longer, happier life. This emphasizes not just the presence of relationships, but the active nurturing and strengthening of these connections, a concept referred to as “social fitness.”
- Investing in Relationships: The study directors emphasize that it’s never too late to invest in meaningful relationships through acts of attention, thoughtful questions, and genuine engagement.
- Social Connections in Blue Zones: This concept aligns with observations from Dan Buettner’s research in Blue Zones. He highlights that centenarians in these regions prioritize their relationships, nurturing them with care and attention. Moreover, he emphasizes the crucial role of strong social support networks in guiding individuals towards healthy choices and away from harmful ones.
These findings collectively emphasize the vital role of strong, nurtured social connections in promoting both longevity and overall well-being.
PURPOSE & LEARNING
- Ikigai: Finding Purpose in Okinawa: In Okinawa, Japan, a Blue Zone renowned for its high concentration of centenarians, the concept of “ikigai” – loosely translated as “the happiness of always being busy” – holds significant value. This concept, explored in the popular book “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life,” emphasizes finding and pursuing one’s purpose in life. Dan Buettner, a leading longevity expert, echoes this sentiment, stating that individuals with a strong sense of purpose tend to live longer than those without.
- Lifelong Learning: A Key to Healthy Aging: The Harvard Study of Adult Development, spanning 86 years, identified seven key practices for successful aging. Among these is the cultivation of a growth mindset through continuous learning and education. Dr. George E. Vaillant, a pioneer of the study, emphasized that individuals have a degree of control over their aging process, highlighting the importance of proactive steps towards healthy and fulfilling later life.
These findings underscore the importance of finding purpose, cultivating a growth mindset, and actively engaging with life as key factors in promoting longevity and well-being.
Written by Mexpat Realtors – January 2024
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