Four Habits of the Longest-Living People in the World have in Common
Simple habits that anyone could cultivate to live a long healthy life.
Simple habits that anyone could cultivate to live a long healthy life.
The Blue Zone is where the longest living people live.
Dan Buettner spent years studying each culture and pinpointing the exact reasons why they’ve lived to be 100 years old or more. He discovered they have nine key lifestyle habits in common which he named the “Power 9.”
Here is a list of the “Power 4”
Move Naturally — The Centenarians of China are seen working in the fields alongside great-grandchildren. Here in the States, our jobs are a lot more sedentary. Because of our modern lifestyles, movement has been engineered to be removed from our lives.
It’s up to us to create movement and get as much exercise as possible. At a bare minimum, we need to aim for 30 minutes of exercise three times a week. Walking is my choice of exercise. But outside of walking, our daily chores like housework or washing the car count also. Just make up your mind to get exercise in your daily routine, so you will have a healthier life and feel better.
2. Have a larger purpose — Dr. Day says the connection between the mind, health, and a sense of purpose is powerful. Purpose is related to happiness, and happiness is associated with better health over sadness or indifference. You have to have a reason to get out of bed every morning. Something that pushes and motivates you.
3. Manage your stress — We all have stress. “The key is how you perceive your stress, “ Dr. Day says. During his time in China, he saw simple lifestyles habits such as eating nourishing foods, being physically active, getting good sleep and socializing with family and neighbors all helped negate the stress the towns people experienced.
4. Moderate Alcohol consumption — Across blue zones, Buettner observed that alcohol was consumed, but moderately, at one to two gasses a day, with friends or food. Light to moderate drinking has been associated with a longer lifespan. According to a 2017 333,000-person, eight-year analysis, those who enjoyed an occasional drink — were 20 percent less likely to die of any cause and 25 percent to 30 percent less likely to die of cardiovascular disease than those who were completely sober.
Take Away
If we want to live a long life, it’s imperative that we move our bodies. There’s not escaping exercise at least 30 minutes three times a week. It’s ok to drink a small amount of alcohol to help combat stress. And it’s highly important to have a reason to get up in the morning. Having a life purpose is the motivation for us to experience a healthy life style and longevity.
Thanks for reading.