Would you like to live to be 100? If you're interested in learning how to live to be 100, and keep your health while you're enjoying the century, read on! There are a number of scientists who've been researching longevity. This page reviews some of the secrets of centenarians that they've discovered while wondering the globe.
Introduction
Scientists around the world have been working to decode the secrets of a long healthy life. This page shares strategies and observations from three different researchers in the field. While no one has all the answers, reading about different approaches may help you adopt habits which will help you reach the century mark.
Step 1: What Dan Buettner Found in the Blue Zone
- Dan Buettner traveled around the world, visiting isolated communities that he calls the Blue Zone. These very different communities, located in Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, Loma Linda, California and the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica all had one thing in common - the longest "disability free life expectancy in the world".http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-buettner/how-to-live-to-100---nine_b_94972.html Buettner found 9 characteristics that each of these Blue Zone Communities share. These characteristics form the basis of his "Power 9" recommendations:
- Incorporate exercise naturally into your day.
- Cut the calories you consume by 20%.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Drink red wine in moderation.
- Develop a "mission" or purpose for your life.
- Take time to relax each day.
- Connect with your spirituality.
- Put family first.
- Establish a supportive social circle.
Step 2: The New England Centenarian Study
Dr. Thomas Perls of Boston University runs the New England Centenarian Study. While his research is ongoing, his does have some predictors of longevity.http://www.bumc.bu.edu/centenarian/overview/ Based on his research, in order to reach 100, you should:
- Watch your weight. centenarians are almost never obese.
- Don't smoke.
- If you're a woman, have a child after age 40. Late fertility is an indicator that you are aging slowly.
- Choose your parents carefully; the appears to be a strong genetic component to longevity.
Step 3: Dr. Oz and Extreme Life Extension
Dr. Oz believes that a calories restricted diet may enable people to live until they are 120 and beyond.http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20090305-tows-oz-calorie-restriction Dr. Oz's Age-Less diet plan allows participants 1,800 calories a day of lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy products. Although participants lose weight, this is not a short term diet, but an eating plan for life.http://www.realage.com/ct/tips/3033/cbr/OPRH90
