Longevity is a huge topic today in the technological world. Scientists and researchers are working tirelessly to find ways to reverse aging for good—and all this by 2029, or earlier.
But beyond the research and speculations, there are some very simple ways you can begin now to increase your longevity. By putting effort into these following activities everyday, you can add more years to your life.
1. Get Outside: By getting outside you expose your skin to sunlight. The sunlight then triggers cells in your skin to produce Vitamin D, which is essential to bone health, mental well-being, and reducing heart disease and diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to feelings of fatigue, aches and pains, and even depression.
2. Go for a Walk: Following the above tip to get outside, a simple walk can make a tremendous difference to your overall health. You’ll get the Vitamin D you need, while strengthening your heart, lowering risk of disease, and strengthening your arms and legs. Some studies have shown an increase in intensity of the walk lead to greater longevity. Nevertheless, walking can stimulate brain activity and boost your mood.
3. Floss Your Teeth: Some sources maintain you can add 1.5 – 6 years to your life by simply starting to floss, if you don’t already. By flossing, you prevent gum inflammation, which is a chronic bacterial infection in your mouth. This bacteria can find their way in to your arteries and vital organs. As well, those with gum disease have worse mental functioning than those whose gums are healthy.
4. Reduce Alcohol Consumption: According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, you’re 95 percent more likely to reach age 85 if you keep your daily alcohol consumption to lower than 3 drinks per day. There are in fact many different health risks to alcohol consumption, such as anemia, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and depression (an obvious one, given that alcohol is a depressant). Abstaining from alcohol can lead to weight loss, increased mental functioning, and a better social and familial life--all of which over time lead to a better healthier life.
5. If You’re Looking for a Pet, Buy a Dog: Has the irresistible face of a dog on an online rescue website caught your attention? There are several ways in which adopting such a pet can boost your longevity. Pet ownership can ward off depression, speed recovery from surgery, and even reduce your visits to the doctor. Elderly dog owners also tend to be slimmer than those who are not owners. Petting dogs lower your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. You sleep better, and are sick less.
6. Get Out More with Friends and Engage in Community Action: Having community is important for well-being. The more connected one is, the better the overall health. People in community tend to take on less-risky activities, and take care of themselves and others more. This may seem simple, but face-to-face time (and not Facetime) is becoming more difficult in our technological society.
7. Sleep: There are many studies that point to the connection between insufficient sleep and serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. As well, the more rested you are, the more accident-averse you are. Many auto accidents are results of drowsy driving. Sleep helps you learn more, raises your testosterone levels, and helps you build muscle. Those with a good night's sleep are less likely to suffer from depression, and are generally happier and healthier.
8. Cut Calories and Eat a Vegetable-Rich Diet: Cutting your calories by an eighth and a fourth can lower metabolism (your body’s natural act of breaking down) and insulin levels, and even damage to cellular DNA, which are all active agents in harmful effects of aging. As well, a diet rich in vegetables helps you avoid bad fats, and get more antioxidants, which ward off free radicals that cause disease. Moreover, it raises brain function and memory.
9. Relax and Enjoy Life: There’s no point in enhancing your life expectancy if you’re living a life of fear and loathing. Learn to relax more, slow down, take things easier. The world we live in is so fast-paced—but for what? Enjoy your life—each moment. Take a deep breath when you feel your self get stressed or your blood pressure rising. Learn strategies to think positively, rather than dwelling on negativity.
10. Get Routine Check-Ups: Visiting the doctor for routine check-ups and tests increases your vigilance of life-threatening illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer.
There are so many ways to benefit your life. By following these simple things, and adding more, you will add years to your life, and, more importantly, live a life that is healthier and happier. And when you live a life of discipline and awareness, you will live a better life. Isn't that what all of us want? It's not easy. It requires intent. But the benefits outweigh the effort in getting there.
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