It’s one of the most basic questions that cross our minds when we think about anything health-related: Will this make me live longer?
There are a lot of rumors about what prolongs the human life. Here are some of the more reliable ones.
Sharpen Your Mind. Challenging mental activities – from learning a new language to completing a crossword puzzle – keep the brain active. In so doing, they help keep dementia at bay, per a story in Best Health magazine.
Take Your Vitamins. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, for instance, and insufficient calcium can lead to osteoporosis. Both of these can shorten your life, but levels of each can be boosted with vitamins. Another important vitamin to get is vitamin D, which the body obtains from sunlight, so spending time outside can also be a boon to life expectancy.
Have a Pet. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society shows that, particularly in seniors, having a pet can combat depression.
Floss Daily. Not flossing regularly can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries and, subsequently, heart disease. Getting into the habit of flossing eliminates these life-shorteners, says longevity expert Dr. Roger Henderson, author of 100 Ways to Live to 100.
Have a Drink. A study published in BMJ Open Gastroenterology showed that light or moderate alcohol intake can add years to one’s life, particularly if that alcohol is red wine.
Stay Active During the Day. Everyone knows exercise is good for you, but even if you make a point of working out before or after work, what you do at the office matters, too. Per a study in BMJ Open, getting up and moving once an hour, even if for only a minute or two, can add years to your life.
Garth Bishop is managing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
