Unlocking the Secrets of a Long and Healthy Life
By Ewa Frydel, Owner
If you’re not familiar with the Blue Zones, this organization has put together research of over two decades into how some people, regions even, in the world live to be centenarians.
Centenarians are individuals who live to be 100 years of age. Supercentenarians are people who are older than 100! Surely, this group of rare life-superheroes are doing something right… or have done something right all along.
If you haven’t looked into the Blue Zones projects, we urge you to do so. Especially if you’re a caregiver. There are many tips and studies, as well as recipes, that can help support your seniors to live longer. You may even take advice to help boost your own lifestyle and live to be a centenarian. If you’re looking for the secrets of a long and healthy life, go to the Blue Zones website. Here are some common habits we learned while we were there:
Attitude is everything. Many centenarians have a positive outlook on life. You rarely catch them without a smile on their face or not cracking a joke. They still have their wits about them and see life as meaningful, even as they aged. This isn’t to say stress does not occur, but they have the mental health to not allow stress to get in the way of their positive attitude. They have learned the resources to bring their thoughts back to happiness and not sweat the small stuff. To do this, try to focus on the good things in life.
Good eats. Of course, eating habits would be a part of living longer and more healthfully. Centenarians consume a diet rich in whole foods. They eat regularly, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stick to mostly a vegetarian or plant-based diet. Rarely, if ever, do you see the centenarians of the Blue Zones eating fast food, processed foods, or sugary snacks and drinks. Their meals are packed with nutrient-dense foods that help improve health and prevent, even fight chronic illnesses.
Walk, walk, walk. Centenarians do not stop physical activity, even when they’re 100 years of age or older. There is no time to second-guess whether they feel like moving their bodies or not. They just do. It’s a part of their daily routine and they find joy in it. They garden, walk, build things, and do almost anything to keep their bodies moving. They aren’t necessarily bodybuilders in the gym, but they do exercise daily and stay active throughout the day, too.
Socially connected. Centenarians are surrounded by loved ones often. For Okinawan centenarians, this is called a Moai. According to the Blue Zones, a Moai is “a group of lifelong friends” and “a social support group that forms in order to provide varying support from social, financial, health, or spiritual interests”. These are your closest connections, for you and your senior. If your aging loved one does not have a close friendship with anyone, it’s not too late to build one. Get them involved outside of their house. Join clubs, volunteer, and have them participate in community activities. Friendships can be built at any point in their lives.
Avoid harmful habits. Centenarians are not known to drink excessively or be chronic smokers. Although some centenarians still partake in some homemade red wine for dinner and others do smoke on occasion, this isn’t a big part of the plan. According to the Blue Zones, the Adventists in Loma Linda, California, refrain from animal products, television, and alcoholic beverages, as well as smoking. While everyone is different in their opinion of a bad habit, check in with your senior. Ask them which habits they wish they didn’t have and try to find a way to get them support. Look into your own lifestyle, too. Are there any habits you consider “bad” that you wish to eliminate?
These tips may be hard at first, but if longevity and a happy life is the goal for you and your senior, what have you got to lose? Eventually, with daily practice, you will learn new habits and find it becomes second nature to live like a centenarian.
For more information on centenarian habits, visit the experts at the Blue Zones. You can also contact us for tips on unlocking the secrets of a long and healthy life.
We’re here for you!
Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about the secrets for elderly people to live long lives and should not be construed as medical advice.
