Forever Young
The numbers are astonishing. More than 60,000 people in the United States are over the age of 100, and there are enough people over the age of 110 for them to have their own term: supercentenariums.
What's the secret of their long lives? And, more importantly, are they exceptions to the rule? Perhaps, but maybe not. The fact is that we are living longer thanks to a combination of factors. According to the US Census, the number of people age 85 and over alone will more than double over the next 25 years. Further, it's estimated that there will be more than 800,000 people 100 and over by 2050.
While all of us hope to live into our 80s or 90s or longer, our biggest concern is having a healthy long life. Preserving and even improving your health depends in large part on the choices and habits that you develop now and continue into the future.
A study of aging funded by the MacArthur Foundation bears this out. It found that environment and lifestyle contribute far more to a healthy old age than genetics, and that the importance of healthy habits only increases as you age. Taking care of your physical well-being, challenging your mind, reaching out to others, and feeling positive about life and aging all contribute greatly to remaining active and sharp.
Physical Health
One of the most important things you can do at any age is to eat right. A healthy, balanced diet has lots of benefits, including feeling better and looking better. But what does a healthy, balanced diet mean? Doctors recommend a diet heavy on fruits and vegetables, protein, complex carbohydrates (such as whole grain foods, legumes) and healthy fats (including olive oil).
As you consider your future health, this also might be a good time to try to lose any extra weight. Shedding pounds, along with eating the foods that are good for you, can help you to stave off some of the most serious age-related health problems,...
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