Living Long and Being Happy
By Natalie Ledwell
Hope you all and me continue reading this face book till we are 100 yrs
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Louise Donner from Denver just turned 100 years old, a new centenarian who is known to be a bundle of feistiness and strong notions. People who know her say that she seems to have found a way to gain immunity to the opinions of others. Despite what her doctors tell her she should be doing at her age, she leads a vibrant and active life and evens participates with a local tennis club twice a week.
In case you didn t know, a centenarian is someone who lives beyond the age of 100 years. Today we are going to look at centenarians because those who live to be 100 are some of the best examples of successful aging. Unlike the population at large, they have found a way to escape most age-related pitfalls.
So are they any big differences between people who live to be at least 100 and the rest of the population?
There s no doubt that genetics plays a role on how long you live, but new research is coming to light which seems to indicate that the way that these people think may actually play an even bigger role on life expectancy than their genes.
Researchers were surprised to find out that most 100 year olds are in surprisingly good mental and physical condition. In fact, they are often happier and feel healthier than those who are in their 50s and 60s!
The good news is that, no matter what your age is, if you start living like a centenarian right now, you will live a longer, happier, and healthier life! In fact, researchers have learned that once you start living the centenarian lifestyle, the benefits you receive will just keep adding up and building on each other.
The most surprising discovery was that almost all the differences between centenarians and the rest of the population were learned behaviors. That means that you can learn to start living like a centenarian right now, just by adopting some of these simple habits.
Keep on reading for what you can learn from those who have celebrated their 100th birthday
So what can we learn from those who have celebrated their 100th birthday?
Centenarians complain less about their health.
Even though many need to utilize medical treatments to maintain their health, they tend to very positive about their current state of health and downplay the bad.
Takeaway: Try to cultivate a sense of gratitude for any and all health blessings you do have. Staying positive about your health is the best way to maintain it.
Centenarians never stop learning.
Researchers found that this group contained avid learners who enjoyed more of their own interests and passions compared to their younger counterparts. They love to get their learning fix and many enjoy reading or watching educational programming. Many Centenarians also complete puzzles or other brainteasers on a daily basis to help stay mentally sharp.
Takeaway: Make time to learn about the things you love, no matter how busy you are. Find a hobby or interest (anything will do) that makes you passionate, and pursue your aspirations!
Centenarians are amazingly optimistic.
Centenarians love life. Despite the fact that they must deal with the difficulties of aging, they tend to be a surprisingly happy group and score much lower on tests for anxiety and depression than the rest of the population. In addition to their positive outlook on life, they are much more accepting of circumstances which they have no control over.
Takeaway: Don t sweat the small stuff. Let go of things that you cannot change and focus instead on pursuing what makes you happy. Try to take satisfaction out of life s little pleasures and focus more on what you want to achieve as opposed to what you wish were different. These small changes in focus will help you reap more appreciation and enjoyment out of life.
Centenarians nurture their spirituality.
They tend to be more spiritual than the population as a whole. Whether they take part in religious services or practice spirituality on their own, they are connected with something bigger than themselves.
Takeaway: When you nurture your spirituality, you will gain a sense of purpose. Spirituality is not about what you re doing as much as it s about your inner being. A common way to develop your spirituality is by joining a spiritual group or religious organization that shares similar beliefs to you. If pursuing your spiritual beliefs feels unfamiliar, consider what activities or actions make you feel fulfilled and peaceful. You may find it helpful to take time to meditate each day and think about how your life fits into the greater whole.
Centenarians are more satisfied with their financial situation.
This doesn t mean that they are rich, just that they are more satisfied with what they do have. They tend to be content as long as they have enough money to fulfil their basic needs.
Takeaway: It is easy to get stressed about money. One thing to remember is that no matter what your situation is, there are many things that you have to be grateful for. Nothing will ruin your sense of happiness about your finances faster than comparing your financial situation to the circumstances of others. For most people, the grass is always greener on the other side. Therefore, try to stop comparing your financial situation to others and instead focus on your own personal happiness.
Centenarians live life to the fullest by cultivating their social relationships and protecting their independence.
As a group, centenarians regularly participate in social activities and endeavor to retain a role in society. This gives them strong social relationships to lean on when they do need help and support. They tend to live in neighborhoods that give them pleasure, feel safe, and are perceived as being neighborly. They also relish their independence and refuse to give up control over their lives. For example, they live in places that have access to local facilities and services, such as public transportation. This gives them the freedom to participate in society by engaging in their hobbies and other social or leisure activities.
Takeaway: Remember how important your friends and family are to your well-being. Try not to take people for granted. The best way to do this is by putting forth the effort to preserve and maintain your relationships. Take an active role in society and pursue your interests with others who share them. Don t just let things happen. Take control and do whatever it takes to protect your independence and maintain a sense of self.
Centenarians keep healthy habits.
They eat less salt and sugar than average, and as you d probably expect, tend to be leaner throughout their lives. They exercise regularly and endeavor to maintain good mobility. They take good care of their teeth and make a point to go to the dentist regularly.
Takeaway: You know the mantra, try to eat well, exercise regularly, and cut out extra salt or sugar from your diet. Brush your teeth every day and make a point to get your teeth cleaned at least once or twice a year.
Now you have it. By following the seven habits outlined above, you can also live a long, happy and healthy life that defies all expectations, just like Louise Donner!
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