It’s been said that “it’s not the years of your life, but the life in your years.” But who says we can’t strive for both? We all want to live long, healthy and full lives. Sadly though, not all of us are lucky enough to live to see our children have kids of their own, let alone meeting our grandchildren’s children!
Though there is no surefire way to make sure we live long, adopting lifestyle changes can increase our chances of living past our average life expectancy.
Here are a few tips to improve your chances of celebrating your 100th birthday!
Enjoy home cooked meals often
Forego takeout dinners and cook meals at home. Studies have found that individuals over the age of 65 who ate home cooked meals at least five times a week have a 45% chance of living one decade more than their life expectancy.
Become a vegetarian
Ridding your diet of meat could decrease your chances of dying young by 12%, according to a study. But it’s perfectly fine to indulge in meat, once in a while. Just make sure to steer clear of processed meats, like cold cuts, bacon, and sausages, because they increase the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Eat like a Japanese
Thanks to their diets, the Japanese have high life expectancies. Studies have that drinking at least 5 cups of green tea daily lowers heart disease risk and consuming foods rich in Omega-3, like raw fish or sushi, can add years to your life.
photo: fotolia
Live in high places
U.S. studies have found that those who lived in states above 5,967 feet above sea level have higher life expectancies. Why? Living in high altitudes has been found to improve heart function and lessen the risk of obesity. Those who live in high-rise buildings, too, have a lower risk of lung cancer and heart disease. This is because they tend to use the stairs more often and are less exposed to ground pollution.
Get your heart rate up!
Aging well in the future means getting moving now. There are studies to support the importance of exercise, and other physical activities such as sex, in reducing the risk of heart disease and prolonging one’s life span.
Bear no grudges
It’s no secret that conflict can stir up stress and negative emotions that can manifest in physical symptoms. Maintaining caring, healthy relationships with friends, family, co-workers, and even pets has been found to improve both the quantity and quality of your years!
sources: ASAPScience, Medical Daily, Time Health, National Geographic, Berkeley Wellness, HuffPost
READ: How to encourage healthy habits in your spouse