Thanks to innovations in medical science and changes to lifestyles, centenarians are becoming less rare. By remaining healthy, it’s possible to live to 100 and beyond. Here are some effective ways to increase the chances of living to 100.
Find a Sense of Purpose
Having a sense of purpose helps seniors live longer. Purpose takes many forms, ranging from working part-time to volunteering. Some seniors learn new hobbies after they retire, which can keep their minds sharp and provide them with a sense of accomplishment. Other seniors find purpose through their relationships with friends, family members, and loved ones. It doesn’t matter how seniors channel their interests. Staying productive and mentally agile is what’s important when it comes to quality of life.
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Follow a Healthy Diet
To live to 100, seniors should follow a healthy diet. This means cutting out fatty foods and eating more fruits and vegetables. In his book The Blue Zones Solution, author Dan Buettner studied the diets of communities with a high percentage of 100-year-olds. These communities thrived in various places that range from remote Greek isles to Costa Rican peninsulas. His findings suggest people who want to live to 100 should eat plenty of greens, beans, nuts, and grains.
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Avoid Smoking
People who want to live to 100 should quit cigarettes and other tobacco products. Smoking affects the cardiovascular system and several other body functions. Studies suggest that each cigarette reduces a person’s life span by 11 minutes, which means a lifetime’s worth of cigarettes adds up. However, it’s never too late for seniors to stop smoking. There are several ways to kick the habit, ranging from smoking cessation therapy to nicotine patches.
Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
Unhealthy levels of cholesterol and blood pressure can lead to a wide variety of ailments, which can greatly reduce a senior’s life span. To lower their cholesterol and blood pressure levels, seniors should adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as consuming less sodium, exercising regularly, and drinking alcohol in moderation. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important. To ensure blood pressure and cholesterol are under control, it’s important to schedule regular medical checkups. Keeping track of health with the help of a doctor is one of the best ways to live to 100.
Keep a Positive Outlook on Life
Optimism is essential to a long and healthy life. It’s not that staying positive in and of itself lowers cholesterol or boosts cardiovascular health. However, the side effects of staying positive can change the course of a senior’s life. Seniors who face the challenges in their lives with optimistic attitudes tend to maintain friendships, stay social, and stave off loneliness and depression. A good attitude can have ripple effects on a senior’s life, allowing him or her to stay happy for longer.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care. Arlington Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Call us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
