How to Live to 100
Year after year, life span continues to increase. Those born 100 years ago would typically live to the ripe old age of 50.2 years. Children born this year are expected to live an average of 80.5 years.
These are just averages. Today, more and more people are living longer than 100 years. A study of these centurions reveals some general guidelines that can help extend your own life, regardless of your current age:
1. Be born a female. Sorry men, it seems that females have been outliving males for centuries. And while you can’t do much about your gender or genetics, there is much you can do.
2. Stay married. Statistically, married people live longer than single people. (And it’s not because life seems longer for married people!)
3. Eat less. Research shows that life expectancy can actually double if you reduce your food intake by 40%.
4. Avoid tea and coffee. Tea can take up to six hours to digest and both substances can disturb metabolism.
5. Pass up all refined sugar. Good luck. It’s put in just about every type of processed food these days.
6. Use as little salt as possible. Like cutting out sugar, getting used to salt-free tastes will take some getting used to. But worth it if you want to live longer.
7. Reduce protein intake. Excess protein stresses the body, increases the acid level of the body and reducing our ability to fight disease.
8. Regular exercise. No need for a gym membership. Brisk walking improves circulation, metabolism and emotional well-being.
9. Maintain an ideal posture. Poor alignment and postural deviations may suggest unresolved emotional issues. One more way chiropractic can help you live longer.
10. Shun alcohol and tobacco. Tobacco narrows the arteries and restricts the blood circulation. Too much alcohol can counter any positive benefits.
11. Cultivate your spiritual connection. Those who regularly worship, meditate or maintain their connection to God are shown to enjoy greater life expectancy.
12. Accept what is. Make life the kind of adventure that will compel you to see how it all turns out!
13. Eliminate unnecessary stress. Your ability to accommodate stress is based on the condition of your nervous system. One way regular chiropractic care may help you live longer.
14. Keep it positive. The power of our thoughts and emotions are often overlooked. Optimists live longer than pessimists.
15. Avoid hospitals. Between hospital-acquired infections, unexpected drug interactions and just plain mistakes, hospitals can hurt, just as they can help.
16. Have a purpose. If your goal is retirement, you better have a passionate reason for living. Serve. Donate your time. When you let up, you’ll likely suffer a let down.
Regardless of how long you live or how well you live, it’s better to burn out than rust out. Don’t take a single day for granted.
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