Who wouldn’t want to live long and healthy? Many of us desire to live long, productive lives, but how can we achieve that goal? Apart from genetics, there are a few commonalities among the longest-living people on the planet.
This article discusses some of the traits shared by the world’s centenarians.
Positive Attitude
Stress and negativity can take a toll on our health and longevity. But centenarians have a positive attitude towards life. They believe that things will be better in the end, no matter how tough their situation is.
Maintaining a positive attitude can help reduce stress and enable us to live a fulfilling life.
Moderate Diet
Most centenarians eat a balanced diet, which is low in calories and high in micronutrients. They also avoid overeating and eating processed foods.
Eating a moderate diet can help prevent diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and obesity, which can shorten our lifespan.
Active Lifestyle
Regular exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Centenarians have a moderate and consistent activity routine. They walk, cycle, swim, dance, or do light weightlifting.
Engaging in physical activity can help boost one’s health and improve your mood too.
Strong Social Network
Having a strong social network is essential for a fulfilling life. Centenarians have family and friends who support them, and they maintain active communication with them.
Humans are social creatures, and maintaining our social network helps ease any stress and promotes a sense of belonging.
Religion or Spirituality
Many centenarians have a spiritual or religious identity. Their beliefs help them find meaning and purpose in their lives, and this can help reduce stress and promote a sense of inner peace.
Whether it’s through meditation or prayer, having a spiritual identity can help promote longevity.
Regular Sleep
Sleep is essential for good health, and most centenarians maintain regular sleep patterns. They sleep for an average of eight hours, and they avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking.
Good sleep promotes productivity and focus, which can help us live a fulfilling life.
Low Stress
Stress can cause harm to our bodies, and most centenarians avoid stressful situations. They maintain a low-stress lifestyle, whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or reading.
Reducing stress can have both physical and mental benefits and reduce the risk of developing illnesses associated with high-stress levels.
Moderate Alcohol
In moderation, alcohol can have some health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease. However, excessive intake can cause harm. Centenarians who drink alcohol do so moderately and in low volume.
Constant Learning
Centenarians never stop learning. They take up new hobbies and continue to challenge themselves physically and mentally, even in their late years. Constant learning can promote mental agility, reduce stress, and enhance our mood.
Family Matters
Family is essential, and most centenarians place great emphasis on their families. They take care of their children, grandchildren and continue to maintain strong ties with their family.
Family members offer unconditional love and support, and this can help reduce stress and promote a sense of belonging.