I’m healthy at 70, but how can I live longer?
Longevity doesn’t begin in a laboratory, the gym, or even a trip to the health food store. Having a long and healthy life is a process, aided tremendously by our daily routines and consistent lifestyle choices. And it is never too late to start.
The longevity equation
Harvard researchers have identified the major forces at play in human longevity: healthy diet, regular physical activity and good lifestyle choices, like adequate sleep, not smoking and moderate alcohol intake.
They also cite a sense of purpose and an established social network, along with gender, genetics, and socioeconomic status.
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Sir Michael Phillip “Mick” Jagger is 81 years old. His father was a physical education teacher who lived to be 93.
While the Rolling Stones front man embraced poor health habits in his heyday, Mick made healthier lifestyle choices as he aged. After a heart valve replacement at age 75, Mick was back on the road again in months. A 2021 “Mirror” article noted he averages 12 miles of singing and dancing across the stage per show.
Blame (or thank) your parents
According to the NIH National Library of Medicine, “siblings and children of long-lived individuals are more likely to remain healthy longer and live to an older age than their peers.”
This suggests that shared genetics, lifestyle or both play a role in longevity. Although some people inherit a predisposition to certain diseases, up to 80% of longevity factors are non-genetics, like lifestyle and accidents.
By the book
You may have heard of “blue zones,” areas of the world that have the highest population of people with very long lifespans.
Published in 2009, “Blue Zones” identifies the lifestyle habits these active “super elders” have in common. Their diets are the world’s healthiest, with meals rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, with minimal processed foods and sugar.
Another runaway bestseller, “Outlive, the Science and Art of Longevity” by Dr. Peter Attia uses the latest science for a comprehensive longevity plan, including how to eat based on your unique nutritional biochemistry.
Healthy Living Day
Here are some quick reminders:
- Schedule your annual Medicare wellness check with the doctor.
- Stay active by walking, dancing, gardening or with senior fitness classes.
- Eat nutritious foods every day.
- Join us for “Healthy Living Day” (Sept. 27 in Altamonte Springs and Oct. 3 in Viera) for free health screenings, great presentations, delicious refreshments, door prizes and more.
RSVP online at OneSeniorPlace.com/events or call 321-751-6771 in Viera.
One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Questions for this column are answered by professionals in nursing, social work, care management and in-home care. Send questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com, call 321-751-6771 in Viera or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
Brenda Lyle is a Certified Care Manager and Certified Dementia Practitioner with One Senior Place, Greater Orlando.
