Most of us hope to live a long, fulfilling life. Luckily for us, the average age humans generally live to is much longer than it used to be. Still, if you’re looking to live for a long time – and I mean a really long time – then I suppose it’s best to look to those who have already achieved that. This woman, who recently turned 108, might surprise you with her secrets. Her granddaughter-in-law revealed them after asking for people to send her Nana cards for her birthday.
Birthday Cards For Nana’s 108th Birthday
Last month, Alice de la Haye celebrated her 108th birthday at Maison St. Brelade on the island of Jersey, where she lives. Born in November of 1913, she has certainly lived through quite a lot of the world’s history and seen more changes than most of us can imagine. To help her celebrate her birthday, her granddaughter-in-law Lorna, who is married to her grandson, posted out for help on her Facebook page. (1)
Lorna posted a photo of Alice, who she calls Nana, asking for people in the area to send the woman birthday cards. She said that receiving the cards would absolutely make the elderly woman’s day. She received many people commenting promising to send one, as well as a number of them sharing the post so that more will see it.
Naturally, people want to know what Alice’s secrets are to living such a long, healthy life. Lorna says that Alice three tips:
- Take one garlic tablet every day
- A tipple (an alcoholic bevegare) once a week (she has hers every Monday)
- Never stay in bed when you can be up and out doing things
Happy birthday Alice! We wish you more years of health and happiness.
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How To Live To 100
Science has confirmed to us that centenarians – those who live to be 100 years old or more – have the genetics to thank for that. That being said, we can learn from some of their habits about how to live in a way that promotes longevity. Naturally, living a healthy lifestyle will typically lead to a longer life. What do the centurions have to say, however? Here are a few of their tips. (2, 3)
1. Stretch
Tao Porchon-Lynch, though passed away recently at the age of 101, was the world’s oldest yoga teacher. She practiced yoga for 70 years and taught for 45. Tao was still an active teacher at the age of 100. Stretching and practicing balance-based exercises contribute to stability and mobility. These two things will prevent falls and will also help you continue to be active well into old age. On top of that, regular stretching and being more mobile will help evade some of the aches and pains associated with aging.
2. Get Outside and Socialize
Being socially active is extremely important for everyone, but especially as we age. Humans, whether we sometimes feel like it or not, are social beings. When we don’t spend enough time out with other people, our mental, physical, and emotional health are affected. Getting outside and doing things out of the house with others is crucial to our ultimate health and longevity.
3. Quit Smoking
You will hear of some people who live long lives who smoked their way through most of it. These people, however, are few and far between. For the overwhelming majority of people, smoking will cause a lot of health problems and lead to diseases such as cancer. On average, smokers die 10 years earlier than non-smokers.
4. Eat Your Vegetables
There are a number of people who attribute living to 100+ years to their daily consumption of vegetables. Lessie Brown’s family says the fact that she lived to be 114 years old likely has to do with her daily sweet potato consumption. At 101, Christina Kislak Whala said her long life was thanks to a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. In fact, there is plenty of research to support those people who live in communities where the majority of their diet is plant-based.
5. Good Vibes Only
More than one study done on people 95 years old and up has found that those people almost always have a positive attitude and sense of humor. Take this as permission to not live life too seriously, always look for the bright side, and laugh as often as you can.
6. Stay Proactive
We know that it can be tedious to keep up with regular check-ups, vaccinations, and the management of chronic health conditions. As most doctors will tell you, however, this is extremely important. Particularly among older patients, those who stay proactive about maintaining their health and have regular evaluations and check-ups done live longer and healthier than those who don’t.
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7. Stay Active
Like Alice said: Get out and do things. Think about it this way: What happens when you leave a car sitting in the garage for too long? When you go to use it again, it won’t start. This is because cars are designed to be used. Humans are the same way. We are meant to move. If you spend too much of your life just sitting around, your body will eventually stop working. The more you move, the longer your body will let you move.
8. Eat Nuts
Unless you’re allergic, regularly snacking on nuts will help you live longer. This is because nuts contain unsaturated fats that help to boost good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. In turn, this reduces your risk of developing heart disease. Some studies have shown that regular nut consumption can extend your life by up to 2.5 years.
9. Have A Purpose
As I already mentioned, humans are not meant to just sit around. This doesn’t just mean moving your body but also having a purpose for your day. Throughout our lives, that is usually determined pretty easily: We go to school, then we get a job and go to work. For many older adults finding purpose becomes more difficult after retirement or when their kids are grown and gone. This is why it is important to make plans and actively seek out things to do. Volunteering is a great way for older adults to find purpose. You are being helpful, social, and getting out of the house. It is a win-win-win.
10. Reduce Stress
Stress is not good for our health. It weakens the immune system and decreases the body’s ability to fight off disease. It can also cause inflammation inside your body, which can cause hypertension, heart disease, and even diabetes. Centurions will tell you that one of their secrets to a long life is just learning to go with the flow. Don’t sweat the small stuff that you can’t change and learn to paddle with the current rather than fighting against it. Find ways to relax and recuperate regularly. That could be exercise, yoga, or meditation. It could be a quiet night by yourself reading or watching your favorite show. Whatever makes you feel calm, centered, and releases stress, do it regularly. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need help, seek it out – either from a professional counselor or a trusted confidant.
There’s No Sure-Fire Ticket To 100
As already mentioned, there does appear to be some sort of genetic link to living to 100 years old. You could live the healthiest life possible and still not reach that milestone. Truthfully, your goal shouldn’t be to live to 100 – it should be to live a full, healthy life. Get out there, explore, try new things, and stay active. Eat foods that make you feel good, also occasionally eat foods simply because they’re delicious.
Drink plenty of water, but also enjoy wine, beer, or whatever it is that you like. Do things daily that relax you, excite you, and make you happy. Challenge yourself – mentally and physically. Everything in moderation, including, occasionally, moderation. Stay positive, laugh a lot, and share your life, energy, and time with others. Nurture old relationships but don’t forget to make new friends. Remove people, things, jobs, and activities that are no longer allowing you to grow or that are bringing you down. Remember, long life isn’t any good if you’re not enjoying it, so get out there and make it a good one, regardless of how long it is.
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Sources
- “Garlic tablets and a weekly tipple…the secret of a long life!” Bailiwick Express. November 24, 2021.
- “15 Healthy Habits From People Who’ve Lived to 100.” Prevention. Christine Yu. February 26, 2019.
- “How to live to 100: Life advice from centenarians.” CBC