Improve Our Chances of Living Longer.

September 26th, 2008 by healthyliving

Why are people in some cultures living longer than most others? Do they have secrets to leading a long, healthy life? Well, not exactly. They just seem like secrets because most of us aren’t employing them, even though most of us already know what they are. Healthy diet, healthy lifestyle, exercise, positive outlook, faith, family and companionship.

As far as diet goes, the best things for all of us are fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fresh fruits. Beans are good for you too, and nuts are great in moderation. Also, just about any foods containing omega-3 fatty acids are good for you. Did you know that eggs from free range chickens contain omega-3 fatty acids? So do many cold water fish and pecorino cheese. Red wine in moderation is also touted by some octogenarians as a key to living longer.

Another thing about eating is that portion size is very important. The smaller the portions, the better, even if it means eating a couple more meals in a day. It’s easier on the body than filling up in one or two big meals a day. And smoking is rarely a part of the lifestyle where a greater than average number of people are living longer than most.

Social factors are also key. Faith in God, lifelong friends and family to share life’s work and burdens with all help people live longer lives.

An active lifestyle is also important. Many of us are way too sedentary. It seems built into modern life. But there are some cultures, in Japan and Italy for example, where people are living rural lives and are on the go all day-fishing or milking cows, mending fences, chopping wood, trimming trees, roping animals, cooking everything from scratch. And they do these things throughout their lives. Sounds exhausting, doesn’t it? But, with fresh air, family, friends, faith and good food, all of the activity equals living longer, and it appears more contentedly.

Having purpose or goals is also helpful. In some cultures, elders are respected spiritual leaders. Assisted living communities and nursing homes are unheard of. People look forward to their old age and having a valued place among longtime friends in the communities they love. Wouldn’t it be nice if that were the case everywhere?

There are things we can all do personally to improve our chances of living longer. Diet and exercise are under our control. So is finding purpose in our lives. So is prayer. Other things take working together with others to get what we want, to build community and lifelong friends, to share worries as well as resources. The time to start living a long, healthy life is right now.

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