How old will you live to be? According to the 2003 National Vital Statistics Reports, overall life expectancy was 77.54 years. While there are numerous factors that contribute to an individual’s life expectancy, making some simple changes can make a big improvement. Here are some healthy habits (from US News & World Report) that can help you live independently well into your 90s:
- Don’t Retire. Or at least stay active in something – gardening, volunteering, etc.
- Floss daily. Flossing helps keep bacteria out of your mouth, from where it can get in the bloodstream and clog your arteries. I’m not kidding – flossing is good for your heart.
- Move around. Exercise is the closest thing there is to a fountain of youth. Forbes magazine reported in November 2007 that Memphis was the most sedentary city in the US, with 30% of the population that did not exercise regularly. Don’t be a part of that trend.
- Eat a fiber-rich cereal for breakfast. It helps control your blood sugar all day. Diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death according to the Shelby County Vital Statistics; maintaining a consistent blood sugar level can help lower this risk.
- Sleep at least 6 hours a night.
- Eat whole foods, not supplements. There is no evidence that a single nutrient has an effect; rather it’s the interaction of everything in the food that seems to work.
- Be less neurotic. Learn to roll with the punches instead of internalizing things.
- Live like a 7th day Adventist. They live 10 years longer than average by treating their body like a temple and focusing on family and community.
- Be a creature of habit. Develop healthy routines and stick to them, like going to bed and waking up at the same times each day.
- Stay connected. Regular contact and involvement with others keeps depression away and gives you a second set of eyes on your own health. Memphis was classified as the 3rd most miserable city in the US in February 2010 by Forbes Magazine. Let’s work to turn this around.
While these tips won’t guarantee you’ll live to 100, they can help put more years in your life…and more life in your years.
healthy living,
Memphis
Health
Great advice, Mike! Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure, Mindy. Of course, I won’t actually know if these things work for another 30 years!
I guess if we want to be healthier–longer, we should live as we did 100 years ago. Be active, take fewer shortcuts, and eat whole foods. One more thing–take the sound advice of people who can responsibly help you! Have a wonderful day.