More people are living to 100 than before. Although some people seem to live long no matter what bad habits they have, most people will not benefit from them. After studying those parts of the globe, the Blue Zones, where people live the longest – many are over 100 – some things stand out as necessary if you want to hit the century mark.
Many people in the Blue Zones remain active even after they have reached 100. They enjoy life like before, staying active, exercising regularly, swimming, gardening, driving, and so much more.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is the most important thing you can do to live to 100. The best form of exercise is running, which will reduce your risk of early death by at least 25% and can help you live three years longer.
Exercise is beneficial because it can reduce symptoms and help prevent diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. If you cannot run, walking is also a good exercise if you do it at a moderate pace.
As you get older, you are apt to find new aches and pains you did not have before. Exercise can relieve pain because it releases endorphins, which help block pain signals. It also keeps your joints flexible, improves blood circulation, and removes depression and anxiety.
Eat More Beans and Nuts
Both beans and nuts have a lot of healthy ingredients that can help you stay healthy. Beans have a lot of protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins that help you stay healthy. Nuts have a lot of healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients, making them ideal to help keep your heart healthy. Eat both on most days of the week.
Eat More Fresh Foods
Eating out at restaurants and fast-food places is very unhealthy. You are getting a lot of salt, sugar, carbs, fats, and processed foods than you should eat if you want to live to 100. People in Blue Zones eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains, dairy, and lean meat. They also do not eat much meat.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
When you do not get enough sleep, seven to nine hours, it can produce many negative effects. They include mood changes, lack of energy, a weakened immune system, weight gain, poor balance, forgetfulness, higher stress levels, and slower reaction time – which could increase your risk of car accidents. It also increases your risk of Alzheimer’s, pre-diabetes, and hormone problems.
Reduce Stress
Ongoing stress can be very harmful over the long term. Its effects are many and may include high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, muscle aches, insomnia, depression, deposits in your arteries, and more. There are many ways to reduce stress, allowing you to pick your favorite. They may include walking, listening to music, talking to close friends, reducing caffeine, journaling, etc.
Get Medical Care When Needed
Sooner or later, you are going to need medical attention. Do not ignore medical problems, including dental work, because it affects your health. Health problems can worsen quickly, which may open your body up to an increasing number of issues.
While no one can guarantee that you will live to 100, you can help ensure the possibility by following the above steps. These topics can help you live longer, and following as many of them as possible will likely result in a better outcome.