It’s the beginning of a new year, and you may be thinking about your new year’s resolutions or at least some of the goals you would like to accomplish in the year. As we all begin to think about that, it’s important to remember our health. Everyone wants to live to be old, but we might not always think about what would help us get to that point.
Since there is not much information about it, we will help you list factors that could help with longevity. You can do as you please with the information, but we remember it’s a process.
There are 5 basic things you can do to live to be old:
- Choose ancestors who lived long
- Don’t smoke or inhale smoke
- Maintain a BMI (body mass index)
- Maintain a healthy blood pressure
- Maintain a low resting heart rate
Well, out of those 5 things, there is one that you don’t really have much control over. Living long, for the most part, really is connected to your genetics. If you have ancestors who lived for a long time, then it’s very likely that you will. Other than that, everything is in your control, and that is what you need to start paying attention to with effort. Everything we do is an addition or a sacrifice to our longevity. All of us can control our quality of life and, essentially, our quality of death by thinking about what we do every day and how it might affect us.
Food & Drugs
- Don’t consume sugar
- Eat whole grains
- Eat leafy vegetables, root vegetables, tree nuts & peanuts, and berries
- Eat fiber or take supplements
- Take magnesium, vitamins K2, C, & D daily
- Eat animal & vegetable fats (milk, cheese, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs) in moderation
- Eat 2 meals a day (don’t snack in between)
- Drink alcohol but not before 5 PM & don’t binge drink
- Never use street drugs
- Don’t use natural or synthetic opioids except for short-term, severe pain, or advanced cancer
Lifestyle
- Sleep 6 to 8 hours every night without medication
- Don’t drink or do drugs and drive
- Use the stairs
- Be active physically, mentally, socially, and sexually
- Study wildlife
- Walk at least 2 miles every day
- Swim everyday (or when you can)
- Work on your balance
Social Factors & Work
- Value your family life, spend time with the ones you love
- Read books you’re intrested in
- Actively engage with younger people
- Stay informed and current but accept the reality of things that can & cannot change
- Recognize and respect the value of spirituality or religion but feel free to make your own decision
- Earn and keep as much money as you need to control how you live
- Don’t retire; if you really want to make sure you volunteer someplace and keep yourself busy
- Stay productive; give yourself reasons to get out of bed each morning
Medical
- Take charge of your health
- Listen to your body (it really does speak to you)
- Keep a loing and good relationship with your doctor
- See a dentist every 6 to 12 months & practice good oral hygiene
- Take care of your eyes
- Stay up to date with your vaccines
- Use a lot of moisturizer and sunscreen
- Stay away from those who are sick and don’t be shy about using a mask
In each category, you’ll find things that are easy to follow and others that might have you wondering, can I really do this? The reality is that you can do what you put your mind to and take the time. Always remember that things should be done in moderation. So, look at each list, do what you can, and live to be old.
