5 Attributes of Longevity: Increase Your Chances

The topic of longevity has been an interest of mine for quite some time now. Mostly because I have always had an interest in alternative health and taking control over my own health issues. I have found my interest in longevity increasing as I age, for all the obvious reasons as well as continuing to have children into my mid-forties. Ever since I've been in my late 30's I've heard a multitude of remarks regarding my age as I would become pregnant over and over. More negative than not. I would just pass them off most of the time because I knew the depth of which I was being blessed and really didn't care that others failed to see that.

However, since becoming more and more of a rawist, I really have a great response to those sorts of comments because the fact is, if you are eating the food that was designed for your body, your health will be maintained and you will continue to thrive and have minimum health issues as you age. What does it matter that I give birth to a child as I near 50, if my health at 70 and 80 is tip top and I'm no burden to myself or anyone else for that matter? Jack Lalanne is in his 90's, exercises over 2 hours daily and eats 15 raw items daily to boot! He doesn't need assisted living, or the pharmacy, or lots of medical pro's managing his life. What if he would have had a baby at 50 years old? Right now that person would be 40 something and would have no big burdens coming from Jack! That point speaks volumes to me.

For those who may be unfamiliar, Non-Agenarians are those who are age 90 and above. Centenarians are those 100 and above. There is also a category called Supercentenarians who are 105 years of age and above. I thought I would do some research and try to find out some of the characteristics that typically accompany people that live good healthy high quality lives as they age to 90 and better. Keep in mind that a good set of genes for longevity will never hurt with this process. Here are some of the things I found.

Staying Mentally and Physically Active: People that have lived to these ripe old ages have'nt done so by staying put mentally or physically. They stay on the go physically with activities of various sorts, whether it be exercise, or other interests that keep them moving. They are never sitting idle with their head in their hands watching the world go by. They are very involved people. I always enjoy seeing the seniors at the end of my grocery line bagging for the folks. Some of them are well into their 80's and are not exhibiting any sedentary behavior either mentally or physically. They always seem to enjoy being engaged in conversations with the people they are packing groceries for, which is stimulating to their mental status, and just being there doing the job is physically engaging. I find them inspiring. I was recently on a site called Centenarians 100 which makes mention of a 100 year old woman who still works 40 hours weekly as a journalist. This sort of thing truly impresses me!

Coping Well with Stress:Theres no denying the damage that occurs from stress. So much of life is 10% of what happens to us, and 90% of our reaction to it. The way we process stress has a huge impact on our longevity. The folks that are living these long healthy lives have an inherent resilency with a great ability to bounce back from the set backs that life throws our way. Life is meaningful to them whether they are experiencing good or bad times and they are accepting of change even if it isn't particularly pleasant. . They are very flexible people which will make for good adaptability for them throughout life.

Future Oriented: These folks look to the future optimistically with the glass half full rather than half empty. They don't see themselves as not being part of the future and look forward to it as well. They are very positive and are usually pleasant company to keep.

Socialize Frequently: Something these people have in common is their joy for socializing. They are always happy to be around lots of other people of all kinds. Spending time around others frequently is something that will occupy their minds as they interact with each other, adding to their mental activity.

Lo-fat Diet and Regular Exercise: You didn't think you'd be getting an article from me without the mention of these 2 very essential things did you? C'mon, I know you know me better than that!! Seriously though, this was a huge reason for these folks enjoying the great health along with the longevity that they have been experiencing. The Centenarians 100 website includes a page on exercise and a formula for maintaining weight throughout life that will contribute to longevity. It stated that eating 15 calories per pound of desired weight is the formula for optimum weight maintenance. So if you want a weight of 150 pounds take 15 multiplied by 150, and your caloric intake would be 2,250. People with ages past 90 have had good diets for the most part, and regular exercise. The proof of what the right food can do is in the age they live to be and the vitality with which they live it. Coupled with exercise you can't lose! The bible often mentions 120 years of age as if it were a common thing back when these writings were taking place. I could certainly see that as a strong possibility if people fed themselves with food from the earth exclusively!

I have to admit that after experiencing the good quality of life that I've been living after making my diet 80% raw, I really could look forward to thishaving this long of a life. If you're feeling well, and aren't dependant on anyone for help at age 90 or 100 something, hey, how could that be a bad thing? I've had babies into my mid forties and am ready to welcome another one when the time comes, so I am interested in being around for them, and to be able to see them grow into adults as well as see some grandkids from them. I know thats possible if I work within God's design of what he created for me to nuture my body with. I know all of us could probably live much longer than we will...only because we are unwilling to do what it takes to warrant us that many years. Hopefully I've persuaded at least a few of you to go this route. I know you'd never be sorry, and there's nothing to lose except poor health!! C'mon, you want to live to 100 don't you?

Sources:

sf_special_1997.htm
www.mindpub.com/art090.htm