How To Live To 102
Doctors say that healthy habits will help get you to age 85, but
how to live beyond that remains a medical mystery. We interviewed
people in their 100s to find out how they did it. (Pictured above: Daisy
McFadden, 101.)
Eat Grains, Veggies And Fish
The largest concentration of healthy 100-year-olds is in
Okinawa, Japan. The people there eat a diet high in grains, vegetables and
fish, and low in eggs, meat and dairy. In the U.S., Daisy McFadden, who will
turn 101 in November, follows suit. She regularly eats oatmeal and fruit for
breakfast, a salad with chicken or fish for lunch, and steamed vegetables and
lean meat for dinner.
Avoid Soda--Even Diet
Medical professionals warn against sodas, even diet sodas,
and suggest you drink water or juice. McFadden, 101, rarely drank soda
throughout her life and doesn't touch it today, she says. Instead, she drinks
water, cranberry juice, milk or iced tea. Coffee and alcoholic beverages are
also healthy when not consumed in excess. David Prince, M.D., says drinking two
to three alcoholic drinks per week will keep you healthy longer.
Indulge, A Little
Doctors do not only tolerate a treat here and there, they
encourage it. McFadden, 101, eats chocolate chip cookies and likes red wine and Bloody Marys. Viola Crowson, 101,
sometimes bakes brownies or grabs a hamburger from Hardy’s. David Prince, M.D.,
says sugar and red meat should be limited to once or twice a week but can be
eaten if portions are small.
Get Up And Get Going Everyday
Watching TV in your pajamas will lead you to an early grave,
most 100-year-olds say. Pictured here, 101-year-old Crowson has gotten up and dressed almost every
day during her 41-year retirement. She keeps busy by going to church, getting
her hair and nails done, cooking three meals a day and cleaning her house and
yard. She also does stretching exercises daily to keep her arms, legs and back
strong.
Take A Walk
Doctors say exercise doesn’t have to involve high-octane
workouts or expensive gym memberships. Walking more, taking the stairs and
making an effort to carry your groceries, laundry or garbage will keep you strong.
Elmer Easton, who will be 102 in December, has taken a walk every day of his
retirement, weather permitting. In a recent survey of centenarians by
health-care provider Evercare, 41% said they still take walks to keep up their
stamina.
Do Puzzles
Eric Rackow, M.D., says staying physically and mentally fit will help you live to be
100. Puzzles are an easy way to activate the brain, and if you start doing one
weekly when you’re young, you'll be in a much better position when you're
older. Crossword puzzles, trivia shows like Jeopardy and math games like Sudoku
are all good brainteasers, experts say. Studies also show that playing a
musical instrument will help preserve mental processing.
Get Outside
After retirement or loss of some physical function, many
older people spend most of their days indoors. That means they're not getting
Vitamin D, and studies have linked Vitamin D deficiency to a number of serious
health problems, including heart disease, several types of cancer,
osteoporosis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and some autoimmune disorders.
Moreover, elder-care specialist Claudia
Fine says a little bit of sunlight goes a long way towards improving mood and a
positive outlook.
Stay Married, And Connected
Studies show that married people live longer, perhaps
because spouses insist on doctor's visits and keep your spirits up. Opal
Prater, 100, last year celebrated her 75th wedding anniversary.
She's still living life to the fullest, and loves to play Wii with her friends.
According to a study by Evercare, close friendships are just as important as romantic relationships. It
found that 82% of centenarians talk to friends and family every day, and 79%
believe an active social life is good for your health.
Maintain Spirituality
Crowson, 101, has gone to church every week for most of her
life; Easton, 102, took up fishing so that he could "stand still and
contemplate;" and Mary Malecha, 104, has prayed every day and night for as long
as she can remember. The Evercare survey found that 62% of the 100-plus crowd
prays, meditates or engages in a spiritual activity every day. Doctors believe
that taking restful time for yourself will help you live longer.
Love Your Work
Now that we're spending a third of our time at work, it's especially
important to love what you do. Geriatric
psychiatrist Gary Kennedy says seeking novel
pursuits and being engaged in your life will keep you healthier for longer.
Easton, 102, taught at Harvard University before becoming the dean of
engineering at Rutgers in 1948. He spent 25 years growing the program from 200
students to over 2,000, and says today that his work was "deeply satisfying."
Keep Busy
Easton, 102, says the secret to living long is keeping
busy--and to "just keep on breathing." Not only was he active throughout his
life--boxing, fishing, joining fraternities and doing amateur radio--he continued
staying active after his retirement from academia in 1974. He joined the Rotary
Club, volunteered with the Boy Scouts, and did fund-raising for the United Way
of Central Jersey.
Floss
Your mom was right: Flossing is more important than you
may have known. Elder-care specialist Fine
says, "Your mouth is one of the dirtiest places in your body.
Periodontal disease [can cause] bacteria from your mouth to penetrate your
blood stream and can get into your heart, causing heart disease and even
mini-strokes which can cause dementia."
Avoid Negativity
McFadden, 101, says: "I stay away from negative people,
places and things. I always look positive, and am thankful for what I have." Psychiatrist Kennedy
agrees that optimistic people tend to be healthier, and says that depression,
negativity and avoidant behaviors are often lead to premature decline.
Give Back
Psychiatrist Kennedy says when older people interact with or mentor
younger generations it helps them feel valued and gives more meaning to their
lives. McFadden, 101, says she has friends a couple of generations
behind her to keep her young. Easton, 102, volunteered with the boy scouts so
that he could give back.
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