Although people who have reached 100 years of age make up a very small part of the elderly population in the world, their numbers are constantly growing. In 1990, for every 10 thousand adults aged 65 and over, there were 2.9 centenarians around the world. This share has doubled by 2015, and projected to increase by another 24% by 2050.
Japanese and Italians, what is your secret? Really in sushi and macaroni? But seriously, it is in these two countries that most of all hundred years old people. Japan ranks first at the level of 4.8 per 10 thousand people, followed by Italy – 4.1 per 10 thousand people. Further, the USA (2.2), China (0.3) and India (0.2).
● Genetics and lifestyle
Perhaps someday there will come a time when we can modify our own genes at will. But while we have to live with what got into the “inheritance”, and as you know, genes play an important role in how long you will live. In people who have reached a hundred years, the ancestors, too, most likely were long-livers. However, increasingly lifestyle factors (combined with scientific and medical progress) also affect life expectancy.
What are these five lifestyle factors inherent in 100-year-old people?
1. Positive attitude
We know that stress is the main trigger for many serious diseases. The best healer of stress is a positive state of mind, which, perhaps, is the most important factor for health and longevity. Almost all people who have reached the 100-year mark believe that a positive but realistic attitude is crucial throughout life, and they describe themselves as optimistic people.
2. Sense of humor
Emiliano Mercado Del Toro, who turned 115 years old, never restrained his sense of humor – even in a war under bullets. The long-loner visited the dance club until he was 82 years old, and he claims that only humor helped him survive for so long.
3. Moderation
John and Charlotte Henderson, 104 and 102, married 77 years old. When the couple was asked about their “secrets”, they answered: “To live in moderation. We never and in anything did not zealous and did not abuse. Eat well. Get a good night’s sleep. Do not drink much. Do not overeat. And exercise regularly. ” Charlotte added: “When John retired, we traveled a lot. We are just constantly busy with something, and I’m sure it helps. “
4. Support of brain activity
Regardless of the type of activity (reading news, crossword puzzles or games), many older people try to keep the brain active. The effectiveness of this method is confirmed by many specialists on aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
5. Stay “clean”
101-year-old Harry Adler gives his simple advice: “Just stay away from trouble.” 100-year-old people talk about how important it is to live by conscience and avoid bad habits. Almost 75% of long-lived respondents never smoked; most of the others quit smoking between the ages of 40 and 70. And although some of them never drank, many long-livers admitted that they periodically “sinned” a cocktail or a glass of wine.
● What do the Japanese say?
The Japanese emphasize the importance of healthy nutrition as a decisive factor for a long and quality life. What is their secret of longevity?
– Eat plenty of rice, vegetables and fish.
– Drink a lot of natural tea (“match”).
– Consume only fresh foods.
– Eat small meals.
– Be more active and move more.
– Spend a lot of time in nature.
Photo: Mixandmatchmama / Source: Powerofpositivity
Gudsol 