Live past 100

August 29, 2009 4:00 PM

Ivanhoe Broadcasting News

Want to live to 100? Here are the secrets you need to know. The fountain of youth may be more attainable than you think. The average American lives 77.8 years, but the number of people living past 100 is growing. What is the secret to being a centenarian?

What’s the secret to living long? New research reveals there is such a thing as a longevity gene. Having two copies of the Foxo-3-A gene triples the chance that you will live to 100. Still, doctors say lifestyle is also key. Medical professionals say to keep working. Retirement increases the risk of obesity and chronic diseases for many elderly people, so don’t stop moving.

Sleep at least six hours every night. Your body needs the time to heal. Eat bright fruits and vegetables and dark whole grains. Also, take vitamin supplements. Experts say longevity is three-quarters about lifestyle and one-quarter about genes. Whether you are 20 years old or 50, it’s never too late to benefit form a healthier lifestyle.

Background:

The average American lives to be about 78 years old. The number of seniors reaching and Living pass 100 years is rapidly increasing. Today, there are about 130,000 centenarians in the United States. These oldest citizens share traits among their eating patterns, exercise habits, stress management and overall lifestyle. Having parents who have reached 100 also increases the odds, demonstrating that genes may play a portion of the equation as well. There are several key ingredients that accelerate aging. Kenneth Cooper, M.D., from the Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas, says one must cut out cigarette smoking and tobacco products in all forms. Your body also needs to keep moving. You should also watch your weight and avoid obesity. Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States.

Lifestyle tips:

Longevity is based on about three quarter's lifestyle and one quarter genes. If you can control the way you live, you can control the way you age. The first step is to pay attention to what goes into your mouth, and therefore, what goes into your body. Average Americans are not eating a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables daily. Dr. Cooper explains that when it comes to servings of fruits and vegetables, "five is fine, but nine is divine." The average American adult is only eating 3.1 servings daily, and the average teenager only 1.6 servings.

Eating whole grains is equally important. Doctors recommend eating a fiber-rich cereal for breakfast. This helps older people maintain a stable blood sugar level throughout the day, which can also decrease the risk for diabetes and increase longevity. Smoking, alcohol abuse or an over-indulgence in sweets should also be avoided. You should also include proper supplementation. To keep mentally healthy, try to maintain high blood levels of vitamins C and E, selenium, and beta-carotene, says a U.S. News and World Report article.

Aside from what you eat, daily habits can play a huge role in increasing lifespan. U.S. News and World Report documents that exercise benefits your mood, mental acuity, balance, muscle mass and bones. It is recommended that everyone tries to collectively get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Tips to achieve this include parking your car farther from the office door, taking the stairs, walking to the store or even mowing the lawn. Dancing is a fun way to exercise, too. Another habit to work into your routine is flossing. Flossing keeps your arteries healthy because buildup in your gums develops bacteria. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation in the arteries, which increases the risk for heart disease.

Staying happy and stress-free plays a major role in longevity. This category includes the most common advice given by centenarians. The Mayo Clinic reported cheerful and optimistic people decreased the risk of poor health and early death by 50-percent compared to those with more negative outlooks. To manage stress, learn to say no to things you cannot fit into your day. Learn how to prioritize your time, and always plan time for yourself. Yoga and meditation can also help manage stress. Keep your mind active and your brain healthy with puzzles and games.

For more information, contact:

Cooper Aerobics Center

Dallas, TX

(866) 906-COOP (2667)

http://www.cooperaerobics.com

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Julie Marks, Supervising Producer of Prescription: Health

jmarks@ivanhoe.com