I wish I knew the secret. I suspect a lot is heredity.
Is this unreal or what? Recently, my mom ran into a family friend at a bridal shower. The friend is 93 years old. She told mom that she drove herself there and that she also drives herself to church on Sundays and Bible Study luncheon on Wednesdays. ( She has always been very conservative, like my parents.) She then leaned in and whispered to my mom that she also goes to the Elk Lodge dance every Saturday night! My mom gasped and she said, not to worry. That she had discussed it with the reverend and he said there was no problem with her dancing. lol
Note: There doesn't seem to be an problem with her driving. She also runs her own household, gets her own groceries and drives herself to the doctor. Go figure.
The stress part is the biggest for me and something I work on, especially breathing. Getting better at watching my breath when under stress. I work on my laptop for work all day but I get up about every hour or sooner and walk/pace around for about 10 minutes. This is in addition to working out in the mornings which helps get my mind and body in gear in the right direction.
My parents are often negative and yet they are well into their 80s which is beyond me sometimes. Both they both have longevity genes too I think. After mom developed Type 2 diabetes it has been a struggle though she has done well to get to 86 years. She ate A LOT of carbs, processed stuff and rarely exercised at all except for yoga on occasion. Dad did better but stubborn and often would not follow up with his doctor so it took a crisis to get his attention.
My husband was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago (desmoid tumor in the stomach) at 43. It was too big to operate or treat too aggressively, so he's been on low dose of tamoxifen and sulindac, but really cleaned up his diet, take his supplements and rests well. In that time the oncologist is still stunned at how rapid the tumor has shrunk. Said with the meds alone it normally takes 3 to 4 years to see the level he's at now. Started out the size of a duck-pin, now the size of a lime. Just never know.
God has given us the human tools to strive and keep alive,in your life.And these rules are very simple.For examples: if you were a car,you would need to maintain this machine,so it can operate correctly.On the inside,you would keep it clean,neat,wiping down the windows and vacuum the seat and floor.On the outside,you would go to the car wash,give it a waxing,check for scratches and dents,and so.Under the hood,which is the heart of this car...there are numberous areas to check....so it runs smoothly.
We,as humans need to do the same thing.On the inside....we eat good and healthy foods,drink a lot of water,milk and juices,don't smoke or do drugs,(that's really not necessary for living), and take medications,if need be.Do puzzles for your brain,do exercise for your body,take long showers to cleanse all toxins from your day,and take a walk for your lungs and legs.Be apart of life!!!! For your outsides...wear lovely clothes,( it will pick up your spirits),use gentle shampoos and get your hair styled,stay out of excessive sun,and lose weight,if need be.And don't forget to pray.Bring God in your life and become a heart and soul member with him.Go on outings with friends,join social groups,do well at your job and accomplish positive attitudes and goals.Go to adult colleges and join a class about something new to learn.Meet new people.Sleeping is very important for a healthy body and mind.Remember when your parents taught you manners...like say please and thank you....well it still applies today,as adults.Keep kindness as a rule and do it! Basically,the secret is no secret.It doing good everyday and loving life,so you can continue your life for another day.Now,there are some that can't follow these rules,due to physical &/or mental limitations.And we hope they are not alone to strive for themselves.We hope their Caregivers,Parents,Teachers,Babysitters,
Siblings,and other people to this person,can help them experience a good life as well.
That's it! Stay true to yourself.And don't forget to smile! M : )
She had a terrible diet for many years. She refused to even consider fruits and vegetables, except for bananas. She ate a diet rich in processed foods for years. She had no social life and would only leave the house once a week for groceries. She was disabled due to arthritis. She stopped coming to family gatherings. And her father suffered from dementia in his 70's.
I'm related to her on her mom's side, who died in her 80's with no dementia. She was a Type I diabetic from a young age and survived to that ripe age with no amputations, no blindness and no kidney failure! (For many years there were no portable blood meters. She eventually passed away from cancer.)
ASSIMILATION includes diet, but it also includes thoughts and emotions. In other words, we are what we absorb. There is conflicting advice out there concerning diet. You may want to research it and decides what makes most sense to you. (I personally favor the ketogenic diet.) Also, as we age we tend to have insufficient stomach acid, which we need to break down food and absorb nutrients. Betaine hydrochloric acid (HCL) in capsule form is a blessing for many. Apple cider vinegar in water also helps many. Alkalizers like Tum's give instant relief but lead to long-term damage, since they lower an already low level of stomach acid.
RELAXATION includes sleep as well as fun activities and socialization. For many, it also includes prayer and meditation.
CIRCULATION and EXERCISE are closely related. We need to work our brains as well as our bodies to stay physically and mentally healthy.
God bless!
I drink one cup of coffee per day and cut my alcohol way down. I used to have a glass or two or wine most evenings, but I now just drink at socials a couple of times a year. I may have to revisit that decision.
I have a ways to go before I'm in my 70's, but I dare say, I will have a few extra pounds when I get there. lol
My dad is 78 and my mom is 75 years old. They have pretty good mental and physical health, except my dad had bypass 15 years ago! He stays very active, sees doctor regularly and takes his meds. He eats lots of cookies and ice cream, but I leave him alone. It's his choice at this point.
The UCIrvine 90 plus study has posted some interesting conclusions so far, I like the ones that say it is better to be overweight in your 70's and drink moderate amounts of alcohol and coffee, I think that is something I could manage! ;)