Humans have always been searching the secrets of long life or immortality. Numerous factors have been established to have links with longevity based on research and studies of populations and individuals who have lived longer lives. While genetics play a role, lifestyle choices and environmental factors also significantly impact longevity. Here are some well-established factors associated with increased longevity:
Forgotten life Style:
There is a possibility that somewhere in remote past humans used to have significantly longer life spans. Lost civilizations due to global catastrophes perhaps resulted in significant change in dietary practices, lost knowledge about some vital food sources or those having gone extinct in addition to some remarkable changes in life style resulted in shorter life spans.
Healthy Diet:
What you eat has a direct link to the state of your health and the probability of how long you live. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in appropriate proportions and quantity is associated with longevity. Versatile and balanced diet rich in nutrients is a good choice. Diets rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols provide protection against chronic injury. Dark fruits and vegetables as well as nuts are a good source. Black grapes and Walnuts should be made part of regular diet. Turmeric, Garlic and Onions have their own benefits. Diets like the Mediterranean diet and the Okinawan diet have been linked to longer lifespans.
Fasting:
Overeating must be avoided and adopting various types of fasting in routine such as intermittent fasting with 24 hours or longer fasts a couple of times every month will go a long way in successfully doing the repair and maintenance activities in your body. Aging related DNA injury as evident in attrition of chromosomal telomere may be avoided to some extent this way. 24 hour or longer fasting has shown promising results in controlling inflammation as well as in initiating autophagy thereby offering a defense against chronic inflammatory diseases as well as Cancer forms. Prolonged fasting for several days cam activate survival genes which in turn activate those biochemical, hormonal and cellular changes that resets organism to factory settings. Doing it after every one to 3 months can help in achieving longevity goal.
Regular Physical Activity:
Engaging in regular exercise, including aerobic activities, strength training, and flexibility exercises, is linked to improved longevity.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol:
Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, and limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels or none at all.
Drink Green Tea and Coffee:
Regularly taking green tea and coffee in suitable amount offer disease protective effects towards diabetes, cancer and heart diseases. Green tea has polyphenols and catechins.
Social Connections:
Maintaining strong social networks and positive relationships with family, friends, and community members is linked to better mental and physical health, contributing to longevity.
Be Happy:
Happiness should be a priority instead of an occasional emotion. Learn to enjoy small achievements, small events of life. Best and surest way to be happy is to make people around you happy.
Stress Management:
Effective stress management through practices like meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can positively impact overall health and longevity.
Adequate Sleep:
Prioritizing sufficient and high-quality sleep supports physical and mental health, contributing to longevity.
Being Conscientious:
Being Conscientious improves your chances of living long. It means that how seriously you take your life, how disciplined and organized you are and how much effort you put in making right choices. Conscientious people are likely to live longer than casual people.
Positive Mindset:
Maintaining a positive outlook on life, practicing gratitude, and having a sense of purpose are associated with better overall well-being better mental health and longer lifespans.
Cognitive Engagement:
Staying mentally active through activities like reading, puzzles, learning new skills, staying intellectually curious and engaging in lifelong learning can support cognitive health and longevity.
Regular Health Check-ups:
Regular medical check-ups, screenings, and preventive healthcare measures can detect and address health issues early, promoting longevity.
Adaptive Coping:
Developing effective coping strategies to manage life’s challenges and setbacks is linked to better stress management and resilience, contributing to longevity.
Healthy Weight Management:
Maintaining a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases and increased longevity.
Strong Support Systems:
Having a strong network of family, friends, and community members provides emotional support, reduces isolation, and positively impacts longevity.
Genetic Predisposition:
While genetics play a role, lifestyle choices can often influence how genes express themselves. People with favorable genetic factors can still enhance their longevity through healthy living.
Avoiding Risky Behaviors:
Avoiding risky behaviors such as reckless driving, substance abuse, and unsafe practices contributes to a longer, healthier life.
Cultural and Lifestyle Factors:
Some communities with strong social bonds, healthy diets, and active lifestyles have higher rates of longevity.
Continuous Learning especially Learning from Centenarians:
Embrace lifelong learning and stay curious about the world around you. Studying the habits and lifestyles of people who have lived past 100 can offer insights into longevity.
It’s important to note that these factors interact and work together to influence longevity. Rather than focusing on one specific factor, it’s the combination of these lifestyle choices and habits that can lead to a longer and more fulfilling life. Genetics also play a role, but lifestyle choices can significantly modify genetic impact. Consulting with healthcare professionals and adopting a holistic approach to well-being can guide your efforts towards a longer, healthier life.