Recently I was reading an article about the earth’s few Blue Zones, which are places where the longevity of an extraordinarily high number of inhabitants is commonly 90-100 years old. Most people who say things like, “I don’t want to live that long!,” say that because most of the people they know who are of that age are not having a high quality of life. The people in these “Blue Zones” however are not only living longer but do not have to deal with things like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, alzheimers, dementia, or the many other conditions common to our older generations. In fact sometimes sexual activity continues beyond 90 years of age!
So what is it that makes this possible in a certain small number of areas of the world? It seems that there are similar characteristics about the ways they eat and their daily habits. What if you could practice some of these eating habits and other daily habits? Would you maybe be able to either live longer or at the very least have a better quality of life while you are growing older? I believe that you can.
Here are some of the things you may be able to incorporate into your daily activities to increase your personal longevity with that high quality of life at the same time.
- Grow your own garden or find farmer’s markets.
Fruits and veggies that are eaten soon after they have been picked from their plants contain higher levels of nutrients and especially antioxidants. These can decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease.
- Get religion.
Studies have revealed that regular attendance at religious services of any kind and the rituals that go along with religion are often associated with longer lifespans.
- Use olive oil.
Many healthy cultures use olive oil almost exclusively. Olive oil is antioxidant rich and best when it is drizzled over food after cooking to preserve the healthful properties in the oil that are destroyed by heat.
Most of us have heard of this diet and many books are available outlining it. It includes a regimen high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish. Those who strictly follow this Mediterranean diet often outlive people who don’t by about 6 years.
- Walk wherever you’re going whenever you can.
Walking is something we can all do as it is free and the only equipment you need is a good pair of walking shoes to protect your feet. If you don’t live near stores or other places you have to get to, be sure to take at least a 30 minute walk daily and park far away from store entrances. In addition to being a method of getting exercise to keep your body in shape, it also is relaxing and therefore reduces stress. Reduce stress and you will reduce illness.
- Phone a friend.
Strong social connections with friends and family are proven to lower depression, mortality, and even weight. Many feel that owning and caring for a pet will also have similar benefits.
More suggestions will be added later but for now be sure to get “fresh” fruits and vegetables whether from your own garden or someoneelse’s garden, practice your faith, use olive oil, eat a Mediterranean diet, walk whenever you can, and be social.
[...] Are you always in a rush? Do you feel like time is slipping away from you? Do you wish to be “young again”? Deepak [...]
For me, my quest for being healthier and living longer is all about getting back to the basics.
Regular exercise, no process foods, reducing stress, and working on relationships with God, family, and friends.
The fast lane leads to a quick ending in my opinion, so at some point its time to exit and gear down a bit to extend the time you have available to you.
I couldn’t agree more. More folks need to have this vision.