Healthy Aging
December 8, 2022
Good genes are only part of the equation, many experts say the main component of longevity is a person’s lifestyle choices.
Family history doesn’t necessarily mean you will live or won’t live a healthy life longer. Findings by the New England Centenarian Study show that longevity does run in families and that your genes play a prominent part, but not until later in life. The real key is to start living a healthy lifestyle early.
There are a few simple steps you can take that will help you age well, and live healthier and longer.
Good nutrition: an important aspect of good nutrition is the appropriate caloric intake, not too much and not too little. The optimal calorie count for most adults is about 1,800 calories a day. Those should be heart-healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, nuts and beans, and low-fat dairy products. Eating well helps brain function, rebuilds muscle, and boosts bone growth.
Social Connections: there are several studies that show social connectedness has a positive impact on one’s health, particularly as one ages. Researchers found that people with more social ties tended to live healthier, were more satisfied with their life, and lived longer.
Brain Health: There has been research showing the link between brain health and longevity. Keeping the brain active can help stave off memory loss and depression, two health issues most common in older adults. Some ways to boost brain health include:
- Playing games like crossword puzzles.
- Learning new things, taking an online class, or doing group activities.
- Enjoying music – learn an instrument, visit the symphony. Music stimulates the brain.
- Read! Reading takes you to exciting new places and introduces the reader to new ideas and words.
Staying active: physical activity is perhaps one of the most important factors for healthy aging. Several studies have found that people who exercise regularly not only live longer but may also live better without pain or disability. Some ways of staying active include walking or yoga.
Living a life of purpose: Researchers have found that purpose does influence healthy aging across adulthood, in fact, they say the earlier one finds purpose proves more beneficial. Although finding out why purpose promotes greater longevity requires more investigation. What researchers did prove was that greater purpose in life consistently predicted lower mortality risk across the lifespan of a person.
There are a host of other things one can do to grow gracefully as they age like maintaining intergenerational relationships, taking time to laugh, and feeding the spirit through meditation and art. Genetics are important of course, but the long and the short of it is that lifestyle choices account for a majority of how we age.