Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3785 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
For most of us, immortality is not reality. We all have to face mortality. So when is a good time to die? Do you want to live a long life, or do you want to die before you get old? I recently read an article about Walter Breuning, a 112 yr. old man who lives in Great Falls, Montana. Mr. Breuning is currently the oldest living person. So when I read that he has some tips for achieving longevity, I sat still and opened my eyes wider to take it all in. I could learn something from him.
In the article written by James O’Keefe, M.D., Breuning points out that, “If you have your health, you’ve got everything.” His tips include: Staying active in body and mind, practicing moderation, and treating others with kindness and respect.
While it may seem like sage advice, and also seems simple enough, why is it that we essentially daily rob ourselves of time on Earth? I’m just as guilty. How often do you drone through the day, just completing tasks without actively considering what you’re doing? Do you rush against the clock like I do?
I didn’t work out today, except for playing with my children. That is good for my heart, and my soul, but was it enough?
I worked today, but today’s work was mind-numbing.
Did I practice moderation today? I had 3 cups of half-caffeinated coffee, is that moderation? Probably not. But I guess it could have been worse, it could have been fully-caffeinated coffee.
Was I kind and respectful to others today? I won’t mention the person I got frustrated with while driving. I did, however, strike up a conversation with someone whom looked like they could use a kind word.
Aren’t we all works in progress? I’m continuously trying to re-vamp my outlook, and my look in general. So to that end, here are additional tips from Dr. O’Keefe:
1. Chill Out: Take a deep breath, and let that stress go. No really! Everyone knows stress can do a number on your health, specifically your heart, digestive tract, and sexual function. There is no way to completely eliminate stress from your life, so learn to cope with it in a positive manner by exercising, or doing something you love daily to help diminish stress.
2. Enjoy Music, Dance, and Sing: As the Dr. says, “Discover healthy (and legal, preferably) ways to inject some euphoria into your life—and then make it a part of your daily routine.” Music is a cornerstone of my life, as is singing, and dancing to songs I particularly enjoy, so this one’s easy for me. And now I have an iron clad license against anyone whom complains.
3. Learn to Say “no”: The rule is that if something will add undue stress to your life, don’t do it, and stick to your guns. Last year I gave my sister permission to not do her Christmas cards, because she just couldn't find the time and was stressing over it. Once she decided that she was going to let it go, she felt a lot better and was able to focus on the things she really had get done.
4. Be Curious: Be a lifelong learner, and experiencer (yes, I made that word up, I have an English degree). For example, I have a second cousin whom just attained her college degree at an advanced age--she’s about 80. It took her about 20 years to get her degree according to my Mom. She has so much pride when she shows friends and family the little laminated copy of her diploma she now keeps in her wallet. She is continuing on for her master’s degree. I find people like her inspiring, just as much as older folks who persevere in athletic events. I hope to still be seeking enrichment when I am older.
5. Be Active Every Day: A quote from the Dr., “Move every chance you get… What fits into your busy routine better: exercising for 30 to 60 minutes per day, or being disabled or dead 24 hours per day?”
6. Don’t Smoke: Keep quitting, someday it will stick. And if it doesn’t, get help from anywhere you can. There are people in my life whom think I’m a pain in the a**, because I can’t say this enough to them. It’s a gross habit, and it does nothing good for you, even if you just have one a day. So quit hurting yourself, and stop it.
7. Cut Excess Calories: If you’re not active, you don’t need to eat much. If you do exercise, eat what you should be eating, more “fresh, unprocessed, whole foods like those found in nature.” If you can’t cut out all excess, then remember moderation, and don’t make excuses. I need to remember this, one glass of wine is good, two is too much already.
8. Stay Connected: Your network of friends and family mean more to your well-being than you may realize. So it is important to give those relationships their due, and nurture them to benefit your physical and mental health, and improve your chances at achieving longevity.
9. Nurture Your Corner of the World: If someone is nice to you, either ‘Pay it Forward,’ or return the favor. Other suggestions, tending a garden, or taking on a pet to enrich your life and the life of your community. You also could do charity work. I started a women’s group, and it continues to benefit not only me, but all the women who are members in that group. I also hope that by our actions, we inspire other women to start their own groups.
10. Be Optimistic and have Faith: Consider life as a miracle and its source as a wellspring of hope. The world is not all evil, and trust in good things.
Not only for myself, but also for my children, I hope these are all things that we will learn to take to heart and act on. My grandmother lived to be 98 years old. She was a stubborn woman, but she loved to sing, and always had a positive outlook. I hope I learned some longevity hints from her so articles like the one about Breuning is a reminder. We all need reminders from time-to-time. What are your tips for achieving longevity?
Resources:
“How to Enjoy Life For A Century: Secrets To Achieving Longevity,” by James O’Keefe, M.D. Kansas City Enhance health and wellness magazine, October/November 2009
Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. She started a women’s group, The Wo-Hoo! Society, in the interests of friendship, networking, and philanthropy. The group meets separately on a monthly basis in the Phoenix and Kansas City areas. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.
Add a Comment1 Comments
Walter Breuning turned 113 on September 21st,but while he became the world's oldest documented living man in July,he's not the world's oldest person...there are two women born in May 1895,two more born later in 1895,and several born earlier in 1896 still ahead of him.
November 25, 2009 - 4:36pmThis Comment