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(The following are lessons gleaned from a ten-year
study of healthy and active 100-year-olds under the auspices of the New
England Centenarian Study)
Attitude. How you feel about aging is the key to your
ability to thrive. Centenarians rarely consider their age a limitation. Rather, they take
advantage of opportunities and possibilities that may not have been available to them
previously.
Genes. We believe that the vast majority of people have genes
that allow them to live to at least 85 years old. Take advantage of these genes;
don’t thwart them. Good health practices will help you make up for at least some of
the genetic difference between you and centenarians and maximize the disease-free portion
of your life.
Exercise. With old age, resistance training becomes
increasingly important for maintaining strength and muscle. Increased muscle tissue burns
fat more efficiently, reduces your heart disease risk, and markedly enhances your sense of
well being.
Investigate new challenges. Keep your mind active with new
and different activities to exercise different parts of your brain. Take advantage of
opportunities and possibilities that may have not been available to you previously, such
as a second career, volunteer activities, musical instruction, writing, or travel.
Nutrition is very important. Emphasize fruits and
vegetables in your diet, and minimize meat, saturated and hydrogenated fats, and sweets.
Eat moderately in order to avoid obesity. Supplement your healthy diet with the
antioxidants vitamin E (400-800 IU daily) and selenium (100-200 mcg daily).
Get rid of stress. Centenarians naturally shed psychological
stress. Humor, meditation, Tai Chi, exercise, and optimism are some of the important ways
to manage your stress.
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