Longevity is a huge topic today in the technological world.
Scientists and researchers are working tirelessly to find ways to reverse aging
for good—and all this by 2029, or earlier.
But beyond the research and speculations, there are some
very simple ways you can begin now to
increase your longevity. By putting effort into these following activities
everyday, you can add more years to your life.
1. Get Outside: By
getting outside you expose your skin to sunlight. The sunlight then triggers cells
in your skin to produce Vitamin D, which is essential to bone health, mental
well-being, and reducing heart disease and diabetes.
2. Go for a Walk: Following
the above tip to get outside, a simple walk can make a tremendous difference to
your overall health. You’ll get the Vitamin D you need, while strengthening
your heart, lowering risk of disease, and strengthening your arms and legs.
3. Floss Your Teeth: Some
sources maintain you can add 1.5 – 6 years to your life by simply starting to
floss, if you don’t already. By flossing, you prevent gum inflammation, which
is a chronic bacterial infection in your mouth. This bacteria can find their
way in to your arteries and vital organs. As well, those with gum disease have
worse mental functioning than those whose gums are healthy.
4. Reduce Alcohol
Consumption: According to the Journal of the American Medical Association,
you’re 95 percent more likely to reach age 85 if you keep your daily alcohol
consumption to lower than 3 drinks per day. There are in fact many different
health risks to alcohol consumption, such as anemia, cancer, cardiovascular
disease, and depression (an obvious one, given that alcohol is a depressant).
5. If You’re Looking for
a Pet, Buy a Dog: Has the
irresistible face of a dog on an online rescue website caught your attention?
There are several ways in which adopting such a pet can boost your longevity.
Pet ownership can ward off depression, speed recovery from surgery, and even
reduce your visits to the doctor. Elderly dog owners also tend to be slimmer
than those who are not owners.
6. Get Out More with
Friends and Engage in Community Action: Having community is important for
well-being. The more connected one is, the better the overall health. People in community tend to take on
less-risky activities, and take care of themselves and others more. This may
seem simple, but face-to-face time (and not Facetime) is becoming more
difficult in our technological society.
 |
| Jane's Walk is a great way to get out into your community and meet others. |
7. Sleep: There are
many studies that point to the connection between insufficient sleep and
serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. As well,
the more rested you are, the more accident-averse you are. Many auto accidents
are results of drowsy driving. If you have a hard time sleeping at night, take a nap during the day--even if it's after work. Even just laying down and relaxing your body has tremendous health benefits.
8. Cut Calories and Eat
a Vegetable-Rich Diet: Cutting your calories by an eighth and a fourth can
lower metabolism (your body’s natural act of breaking down) and insulin levels,
and even damage to cellular DNA, which are all active agents in harmful effects
of aging. As well, a diet rich in
vegetables helps you avoid bad fats, and get more antioxidants, which ward off
free radicals that cause disease.
9. Relax and Enjoy Life:
There’s no point in enhancing
your life expectancy if you’re living a life of fear and loathing. Learn to
relax more; slow down; take things easier. The world we live in is so
fast-paced—but for what? Enjoy your life—each moment. Take a deep breath when
you feel your self get stressed or your blood pressure rising. Learn strategies
to think positively, rather than dwelling on negativity.
10. Get Routine
Check-Ups: Visiting the doctor for routine check-ups and tests increases
your vigilance of life-threatening illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer.
There are so many ways to benefit your life. By following
these simple things, and adding more, you will add years to your life, and,
more importantly, live a life that is healthier and happier.
No comments:
Post a Comment