The secret of longevity is not known to many, but the following 10 mantras can assure a long and healthy life for almost everyone, says Tarannum Khan.
As we cross the blissful youth and step into old age, the fast-approaching end starts haunting us. We desperately try to hold back each passing day, each passing moment. Alas! That’s impossible. Humans are not immortal. However, we can definitely add some hale and hearty years to our life. Read on to know how.
Stay Active After Retirement
After retirement, people wish to relax. In doing so, they become lazy, inviting obesity and other chronic diseases. Elucidating the same, Luigi Ferrucci, director of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging states, “Evidence shows that in societies where people stop working abruptly, the incidence of obesity and chronic disease skyrockets after retirement.”
However, the retired residents of Italy’s Chianti region set a classic example for the rest. Unlike others, these Italians don’t retire at 60. After retirement, these centenarians keep themselves occupied, doing something or the other. They work on their farms or little gardens and stay active. Keeping themselves engaged in some or the other activity after retirement, they have kept diseases at bay.
Floss Daily for a Healthy Heart
According to a 2008 New York University study, flossing everyday minimizes the risk of heart diseases. Flossing inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause gum-disease, and thus reduces the risk of heart diseases caused by these micro-organisms.
“I really do think people should floss twice a day to get the biggest life expectancy benefits,” states Thomas Perls, the researcher from Boston University School of Medicine.
Work-out to Stay Fit
Working out doesn’t mean you need to hit the gym daily. One can simply take a walk in the garden or around their neighbourhood to stay fit. Enrolling for yoga classes can also be good in this. Elucidating the importance of exercise, Jay Olshansky, a professor of medicine and aging researcher at the University of Illinois at Chicago said, “Exercise is the only real fountain of youth that exists. It’s like the oil and lube job for your car. You don’t have to do it, but your car will definitely run better.”
Start Your Day with Fibre
As per Ferrucci and his colleagues’ findings, starting the day with a fibre-rich breakfast can help stabilise the blood-sugar level. Following this diet strictly makes one less prone to diabetes.
Have Six Hours of Sleep
Work as much as you can throughout the day, but at night, do sleep soundly for at least six hours. “Sleep is one of the most important functions that our body uses to regulate and heal cells. We’ve calculated that the minimum amount of sleep that older people need to get those healing REM phases is about six hours,” states Ferrucci.
Have Nutrient-Rich Food
It is safer and healthier to take nutrient-rich food rather than pills as their substitute. Vegetables and fruits are a rich source of vitamins. Including them in your daily diet can undoubtedly add more years to your life.
Live a Stress Free Life
Life is not a bed of roses, but worrying can only add to your woes. When things are not running smoothly, let them be the way they are. Engage yourself in meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to relieve stress.
Stick to Healthy Habits
Cultivating healthy habits and sticking to them for the rest of your life can be beneficial. With growing age, one becomes careless about the healthy practices. This makes a direct impact on health. So stick to your healthy routine whatever it may be, and stay in the pink of health.
Socialize As Much As You Can
Don’t lock yourself up at home. Meet people and stay in touch with your near and dear ones to stay happy. Socialising with people will work to your advantage. In times of need, you may also find a Good Samaritan among them.
Stay Well-Organized
If you want to live longer, stay organised. Leading an organised life lets you conquer stress, regularly eat balanced diet, and have that much-needed discipline to exercise daily.