April, 2008
“8 Healthy Lifestyle Practices for Longevity”
I was reading an article that I found fascinating about people living over 100 years in the “Blue Zones”. The Blue Zones are: • Okinawa, Japan,
• Sardinia, Italy, • Loma Linda, Ca., U.S.A., and • Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. I have heard of these Blue Zones over the years and since my specialty is Health-Fitness I’d love to share 8 healthy lifestyle practices to incorporate in your daily life. I have to say so myself, they are somewhat challenging, yet I am willing to take the action step- To Begin!
Here They Are:
- Drink hard water: Hard water contains high calcium content which contributes to lower rates of heart disease, stronger bones and fewer hip fractures. I am in the Tehachapi Mountains, Ca. 3 days out of my week and will be drinking that hard tap water!
- Keep a focus on family: People living to 100 tend to live with their families. Perhaps your children, grandchildren or parents live nearby. If not, create your family of friends that you get together with once a week or more.
- Eat a light dinner: I love this one! Eating fewer calories seems to add years to your life. And eating less at night and more during the day is the better way to get there. A combination of maize and beans is what the centenarians are eating and is considered the best nutritional combo for longevity.
- Maintain social networks: Centenarians get frequent visits from their neighbors. They acquired the habit of listening, laughing, and appreciating what they have.
- Keep hard at work: Find joy in those physical chores even though this may be challenging! Take those long hilly walks, do that gardening, shovel the snow, etc. What can you think of now that you could be doing?
- Get some sensible sun: Take in the sunshine about 15 minutes a day (including arms and legs) helps your body produce Vitamin D for strong bones and healthy bodies.
- Embrace a common history: Spiritual traditions enable centenarians to remain pretty much stress free. In a study of 200 centenarians all have a similar Faith in a Higher Power. According to the study if you asked How are you today?—the answer would be: “I feel good… thanks to God”. These are people who may not hear or see well and their bones might be hurting, yet there are no complaints! There is an attitude of gratitude.
More information on people living over 100 can be found in a new book by Dan Buettner: The Blue Zone: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest”. Dan Buettner is an explorer, writer and Guinness Book world-record holder.
What one or two lifestyle practices can you incorporate in your daily life? I’d love to hear any comments, questions or perhaps your story on these practices at andrea@alignmentwithlife.com. I look forward to answering your emails.
“Knowing That All Is Well”
Coach Andrea
“Thanks To My Expansive Audience”
What's New? Would you like support on setting your priorities and following through on them? I will be holding a group coaching session on these 2 topics which were covered in the February and March Ezines (check archives below). A one hour group coaching session via bridge phone line is $25. U.S.A. For more information please contact me at andrea@alignmentwithlife.com. I am excited to offer this event and am looking forward to hearing from you!
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