Having a purpose in life, being positive and maintaining connections with others leads to a long and healthy life according to the testimony of centenarians.
- Longevity would be due to a certain state of mind and good habits for mental health, according to the testimony of several centenarians.
- Research has shown that having purpose and finding meaning in life has long been associated with longevity.
- Exercise and protecting your brain against stress also lead to a longer life.
Genetics plays an important role in a person’s chances of reaching 100 years of age in good health, or even surpassing them, but other factors also come into play.
What do centenarians have in common?
Centenarians interviewed by the Dailymail, have in common that they have a sense of purpose and community, stay positive and keep their minds sharp, which they believe would guarantee their longevity. And indeed, specialists who study centenarians have known for years that indulging in hobbies, performing daily chores, caring for family and friends has a tremendous beneficial effect on a person’s chances of surviving to age 90 or 100.
In the article, the centenarians said that staying positive and living in the present has kept them young at heart, while others have taken up late hobbies. This is the case of Mrs. Apfel who became a model at 97 after leading a long career as an interior designer and businesswoman: “My first major fashion job was when I was 84, so for me, as cliché as it sounds, age is just a number. This is why I will never stop working. My philosophy is to live in the moment – yesterday is over, you don’t even know if there will be a tomorrow, so enjoy today.”
Norma Barzman, 102, screenwriter from California, said that developing interests and expanding her circle of acquaintances is her fountain of youth: “I see other elderly people who are not very active and who are not interested in much, whereas I love to make discoveries. I met people my age who work, who write, who paint, and who have a much happier life… Keep doing things!”
Finding meaning in life helps you live longer
Dr Gladys McGarey, 102, said having a purpose in life helps her stay young. And indeed, it’s been proven: People who believe their lives have meaning have lower levels of cortisol, a chemical hormone that helps regulate how our bodies respond to stress. It is activated in the adrenal glands – which are located right next to the kidneys – and disperses throughout the body. Besides his reputationstress hormone“, cortisol is responsible for regulating blood pressure and the immune system and also impacts our energy levels.
Moreover, a 2016 meta-analysis of 10 separate studies involving a total of more than 136,000 people showed that having a purpose in life can reduce the risk of death from all causes by 17%.
The centenarian explained that upon finding her “Why“, you are more likely to find your community and to be well surrounded, another key element to live a long and healthy life. It is also essential to keep a sharp mind to live a long time. Bernard Kalb, a former journalist from Maryland who died in January at the age of 100, kept up to date with the news: “I read the papers every morning, highlight what’s most urgent and try to stick it in my mind” he recounted.
Finally, maintaining a positive attitude strengthens the brain and helps prevent the kind of cognitive decline seen in many older people or people with dementia whose complications are often fatal.
