Science has taught us how humans can live longer. And it is not just about the number of years added to your life. But the quality of those years. Here are some tips on how to live longer than the rest:
Eating the right foodyes, it is very obvious that what you eat has an impact on how long you will live. For example, among the many nations, the Japanese enjoy longer life span than the rest of the world. One of the reasons is found in their diet. The National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Tokyo investigated how following the food guide affected the country’s mortality rate and they found out that "balanced consumption of energy, grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, eggs, soy products, dairy products, confectionaries, and alcoholic beverages can contribute to longevity by decreasing the risk of death, predominantly from cardiovascular disease, in the Japanese population" So eat foods that are low in saturated fats. Avoid processed foods. And eat vegetables and rice as well as fish meat.
A happy mindset
Happiness can make a person live longer. Older people were up to 35% less likely to die during the five-year study if they reported feeling happy, excited, and content on a typical day. And this was true even though the researchers took factors such as chronic health problems, depression, and financial security out of the equation. The study doesn't prove that happiness (or unhappiness) directly affects lifespan, but the findings do imply that doctors and caregivers should pay close attention to the emotional well-being of older patients, the researchers say. "We would not advocate from this study that trying to be happier would have direct health benefits," Andrew Steptoe, Ph.D., the lead author of the study and a professor of psychology at University College London says. Since happiness is all in the head, literally brain, there are some "brain foods" that can help boost your mood, naturally. Foods that are rich in Selenium like nuts and omega 3-fatty acids like fish can help improve and stabilize your mood. Also foods rich in Vit B6, because Vit B6 is needed to make the amino acid tryptophan which is needed to make the neurotransmitter serotonin which is also referred to as the happy chemical for the brain. Foods that help your tryptophan levels are bananas, lentils, spinach and chicken meat. And don't forget your water of course.
Having Pets
a recent study has shown that those who own pets are more likely to have healthy hearts and therefore live longer. Having pets allow you to be more physically active, have a sense of purpose, and provide you more de-stressing activities. These three factors influenced by having pets have been identified as increasing lifespan in the communities studied. A study known as the “blue zone” study has focused on nine factors affecting longevity for over a decade. And the study included these 3 factors mentioned.
It doesn't matter what kind of pet you own. Having pets in general seem to contribute to over all well being and eventually help add up years in your life.
Never Smoke!
studies have proven how it can actually reduce your life span. Life expectancy for smokers is at least 10 years shorter than for nonsmokers (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services., 2014). If you are smoking now, quitting smoking before the age of 40 reduces the risk of dying from smoking-related disease by about 90% (Jha et. al., 2013). So it is still not too late to stop smoking. Even if you are just expose to second-hand smoke, you still have the risk. Secondhand smoke causes 7,333 annual deaths from lung cancer and causes 33,951 annual deaths from heart disease.
CDC reports that "Overall mortality among both male and female smokers in the United States is about three times higher than that among similar people who never smoked."
Your Zip Code is important
Basically where you live also has an impact on how long you can live. A study shows that life expectancy is strongly correlated across countries with environmental quality (MARIANI, F., PEREZ-BARAHONA, A. & RAFFIN, N, 2008). The same study also highlighted the existence of an environmental kind of poverty trap, characterized by both low life expectancy and poor
environmental performance.
If you are to choose the area to reside or relocate in, try to consider how health services and other social services are accessible in the area. Is the area safe and secure? How is garbage and waste managed in the area? Are there open parks and spaces where you can enjoy more physical activities? Are there opportunities for recreational activities. Is there access to markets that can offer affordable healthy food?
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