This Simple Activity, Once a Month, Can Lengthen Your Life
If you’re someone who likes to keep up with all the greatest health news and longevity, then you’ve probably tried different foods, supplements and exercises to lengthen your life. Well, there’s a simple activity, once a month, that can lengthen your life, according to experts. It doesn’t involve exercising or eating right. It’s very inexpensive and doesn’t involve taking supplements or joining a gym. It may sound too good to be true, but it’s not, according to experts.
This Simple Activity Can Lengthen Your Life
I try to do all the right things health-wise, both for longevity but also to improve my quality of life. I’ve worked out since I was 14 years old, and lately, I’ve been doing a bunch of toning and weight-bearing exercises. I feel stronger and like how I’m looking with all the new strength training. But, I know exercise isn’t everyone’s thing. So, if you’re looking to live longer, it’s so crazy to think that this one little activity can help you live up to 10 years longer. It’s also great that this activity that can lengthen your life is very simple and inexpensive to do.
Experts have been studying the idea that art can majorly improve both physical and metal health, and the evidence is there that points to art really being able to do that. What’s really interesting is that some health care providers are even starting to be able to prescribe art and arts-related activities to help treat a variety of health conditions. So, here are steps to help make art lengthen your life. According to the experts at the World Health Organization, “In recent years, a growing body of research suggests that arts-based interventions can help tackle noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – from cardiovascular diseases to cancer.” They also state that “increasing evidence demonstrates that arts can be used as an effective supplement to medical treatment and healing.” Art, of course, is non-invasive and low-risk, so it’s really worth trying. There is no downside. I think it’s so beautiful that art can possibly help heal. Enjoying art just once per month, according to the experts at BMJ.com, can lengthen your life by 10 years. Even if you aren’t good at creating art, if doesn’t matter, as it’s the process that’s healing, not the product, they say. I’m an artist and love painting, and reading these studies inspired me to get out my paint brushes and paint outside last weekend. I’m so glad I did, because I feel amazing today, thanks to that art experience.
People Who Live to 100 Have These Things in Common
1. They Have a Good Immune System
A new study published in the journal eBioMedicine looked at the DNA and lifestyle of seven centenarians to see what they had in common to live so long. The researchers found that people in the 100+ age group, not surprisingly, had a strong immune system that had allowed them to fight off a lot of illnesses. It helped them stay alive longer.
They Have a Good Immune System
2. How to Improve Your Immune System
If having a good immune system isn’t in your genres, according to the experts at Harvard, you can boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables. Another way is to exercise regularly and have a healthy weight. A few other ways include getting enough sleep, only drinking in moderation, not smoking, staying up to date with immunizations and avoiding stress.
Ways to Improve Your Immune System
3. They Have Chronic Illnesses Later in Life
According to a recent study published in the National Library of Medicine, “The age at which 20% of each of the centenarian groups experienced morbidity was significantly delayed by between 18 and 24 years.” That means these people got chronic illnesses much later than their peers. It helped them live longer.
They Have Chronic Illnesses Later in Life
4. They Exercise Regularly
This one shouldn’t be a surprise. According to a National Institutes of Health study, 2.5 hours of moderate activity a week could increase your life by 3.4 years. Studies also show that places around the world with the most centenarians are often in places with rural communities, where they are up and walking around instead of sitting at a desk. So, get out and move.
They Exercise Regularly
5. They Aren't Overweight
Keeping their weight in check is apparently another commonality with people who make it to 100 years old. In a Harvard-Salk Institute paper about longevity, they note, “At present, calorie restriction remains the most robust [i.e., evidence based] strategy for extending health and lifespan in most biological models tested.” So, eat, but do so mindfully. They also eat healthy, which goes along with longevity.
They Aren’t Overweight
6. They Stay Connected
As they say, people need people. According to a research study via PNAS.org, having real, quality social ties with friends and family has been associated with better health. Also, being socially isolated has been associated with an increased risk of inflammation in people of different ages. So, don’t be such a hermit.
They Stay Connected
7. They Have Faith
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, “While there is no definitive scientific evidence linking directly spirituality and longevity some research suggests that spiritual practices and beliefs may have indirect effects on physical and mental health, which could potentially contribute to longer life spans.” So, it’s not a sure thing. But, it appears having beliefs and spirituality is something that many people over 100 share. Pray up, my friend.
They Have Faith
8. Blood Commonalities
A recent study published in GeroScience shows that those 100 years of age and older have some similarities in their blood. According to research, they have lower, but not super low, levels of creatinine, glucose and uric acid. Talk to your doctor about ways to get your blood to those levels, and talk to you doctor about any changes you plan to make to your lifestyle and diet, of course.
Blood Commonalities
