No one is guaranteed a long life no matter what they do to stay healthy because either fate, environmental pollution, or genetics may intervene and cut it short. However, I enjoy taking the advice of centenarians to see how they made it to their 90s and beyond.
You may have read a blog post I wrote several years ago after I sat with actor Norman Lloyd at an annual 4th of July party. He lived to be 106 years old and was active and alert until his last breath.
My father lived to 90 but did things that would be considered wrong in terms of achieving longevity. He ate junk food, craved sweets, and often didn’t drink enough water. He also had several angioplasties, type 2 diabetes, and eventually some dementia. It’s an achievement to live to a ripe old age but you will not enjoy a good quality of life if you are suffering.
I was watching a video about a 102-year-old woman doctor who as of this writing is still alive. She lives independently and stays active and alert. She offered tips for quality longevity that I wanted to share with you. Much of it is attributed to her daily routine which you may want to consider for better health at any age.
She stays hydrated
Hydration is crucial as you get older and drinking plenty of water is the best source. I had issues with dehydration that caused me to faint twice. Now, I carry a water bottle with me everywhere I go. My father also became dehydrated and was sent to the hospital several times because of it. He went into a state of confusion and once spent weeks in rehab recovering from it.
She eats live foods
Live foods are food items that have not been processed or tampered with. They include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and meat or eggs that have not been altered with antibiotics, hormones, or improper feed.
However, you don’t have to go overboard by cutting out food groups or eliminating foods you love. The woman I mentioned and other centenarians I have talked to enjoy occasional sweets, burgers, and cocktails. Betty White loved hot dogs.
What you eat should be determined by your individual needs. There is no one-size-fits-all diet for anyone. Get to know your body to weed out foods that give you indigestion or make you feel bad in some way. Add foods to your diet that give you nutrients you may be lacking.
Her routine starts with breakfast which includes plenty of fiber because it helps to move all the toxins and waste out of the body. She loves to eat Raisin Bran with prunes but oatmeal or other fiber-rich foods work just as well.
Lunch is usually a salad with protein or a hearty meal. For dinner, she opts mostly for soups because they are easier to digest and give her a better night’s sleep. Having a larger lunch than dinner is common in other countries outside of the United States, especially in the Mediterranean.
Read about how to eat like an Italian.
She keeps her hands and mind busy
It doesn’t matter if you knit or do other things that make use of your hands and brain as long as it keeps your nose out of your smartphone all day.
She spends time connecting with friends and family
Very few people live to a ripe old age if they spend their days completely alone. Everyone needs a support network whether it is one or two people or an entire community.
She stays active physically
At 102 she sets a goal to do 3800 steps a day using her walker and rides an adult-sized tricycle around her yard. She believes that if you stop moving you die.
She treats herself to a weekly massage
Massage not only moves your lymphatic system to cleanse out toxins but human or animal touch is comforting and relieves stress. If you can’t get a massage and don’t have access to hugs, get a pet.
She nurtures her mind, body, and soul
She prays, feels gratitude, and enjoys living despite going through 2 bouts of cancer and losing a child. She believes that you must let go of experiences that no longer serve you. Don’t hold grudges, stay away from toxic people, and don’t dwell on negativity.
She focuses on her purpose
As a doctor, she took a trip to Africa in her mid-80s to help others in need. She and a friend work on 10-year plans to achieve their goals. That way they hold each other accountable.
Even if living to a ripe old age is not in the cards, you can still control the quality of your life while you are alive. Keep on rocking as long as you can and not just in a rocking chair.
Advice from those who have lived a long time is always consistent with what this one tolld us. YES.
So true, Carol.
Great post Rebecca. My Mom is 98 and lives in her own apartment. She gave up her car last fall and has people drive her.. She lives in the suburbs and misses her car. She is a great role model – still mentally alert and engaged in activities. She is healthier than most folks in their 70s.
That’s amazing, Meryl. What a great role model for aging well!