Longevity
Ask ourselves not how long we may live, but how much life is in the rest of our years? There have been studies about longevity and the answers are very revealing. Here are some ways to live longer and better.
Have a positive attitude. Happiness and attitude are very important. Optimism is a trait that is linked with longer life spans. Even studies support this. A 2011 study found that the group of older people that scored as the happiest had a death rate of 3.6%, which is less than half of the death rate of the least happy people, who scored 7.3%. Optimistic, outgoing, and easygoing people live longer. So roll with it. Lou Ann and I have had the email and website name of positive place for some twenty five years. When people ask me my email address, they often remark what an excellent name that is. At the same time, as I keep repeating it, my mind keeps experiencing a positive image.
Laugh. Researchers in a 2012 study, identified common personality characteristics of 243 centenarians. A love of laughter was on the list, and laughter was listed as an important part of life to them. Even people who smile more may live several years longer than people who do not smile as much.
Exercise. Regular exercise, be it walking, swimming, water aerobics, or riding a bike is going to extend your life. Exercises like yoga also help keep you flexible, improve your balance, and help relieve stress and anxiety. Getting 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week can add four years to your life.
Help others. Volunteer, donate, and help others when you can. Doing this will no doubt do just as much for you as it does for the people you help. Helping others allows you to contribute to your community, meet others, and find a purpose or a cause in which you believe. Plus, volunteers live longer than people who don’t give their time.
Cook your own meals. A 2012 study found that people who cook at home up to five times a week live longer than those who eat out more often. In fact the homemade meal eaters were 47% more likely to still be alive after a decade. Eat organic and eat as much plant based foods as possible.
Living a long life is fun when we are healthy, happy, prosperous and engaged in making the world a better place. We also live longer when we are loving and being loved. Let us all live long powerful lives. It will be fun to do, and the world needs us to do it! From my youthful heart to yours, Thomas