Lifestyle Changes to Increase Longevity
During the last several years, researchers have studied the steps we can take to improve longevity. Their overwhelming findings point to a healthy diet, exercise and strong social ties; and who of us does not want to live longer and enjoy better health along the way? The Medical News Today states, “Making healthy choices around these three factors may be key to living the long, fulfilling lives we strive for, and since it is never too late to start making positive changes, now is as good a time as any to make health a top priority.”
They cite key factors to help achieve this goal. The first regards diet, which includes eating less red meat and avoiding salt. They recommend a Mediterranean diet as it is mostly plant-based and relies on minimally processed ingredients and healthy fats. It consists of whole grains, fruits and vegetables; beans and legumes, fatty fish, seeds and nuts. Experts say the diet can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Next on the list to help you live longer and healthier is exercise, and it doesn’t mean having to become a marathon runner or train for hours each day. Experts say taking a daily walk can improve longevity and is safe for older adults. In fact Ryan Glatt, CPT, NBC-HWC, a senior brain health coach and director of the FitBrain Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, who was not involved in the study, told MNT that “the benefits are most significant for individuals who are inactive, as even small increases in physical activity substantially reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and premature death.”
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends adults exercise at least 150 minutes a week spread out over several days. Other healthy exercises include swimming, cycling, aerobic exercise and strength training as well as flexibility exercises.
You may be wondering how a good social life will help you live longer but the proof is in a number of studies that say staying social can help a person not only live longer but be healthier. Researchers explain adults who say they feel lonely and isolated have a higher risk of chronic diseases, depression and early death as well as an increase in the risk of stroke.
At MorningStar of Arvada, we are honored to offer the area’s finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO families have come to rely on. With 112 bright independent and assisted living suites in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 1374 square feet), we make it easy for seniors to comfortably and securely age in place. For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we offer 29 memory care suites. Contact us to learn more about our MEMORY CARE special offer.
Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/3-ways-to-boost-longevity-in-2025