Yes, it is a no brainer that choosing the “healthy” things, like veggies and positive thinking, will better your health. Numerous articles, books and workshops have been done to promote the one “magic pill” or the “magic pathway in life” in order to accomplish this.
So, do we start doing yoga daily? Do we only drink juices? Are we able not to gossip about everything and everyone? This is unlikely because in the end life gets in the way. And, there can’t just be one magic pill or pathway, since six billion people live different lifestyles in different neighborhoods and have unique backgrounds.
So how do the centenarians do it? Is it only genetics that allows them to live above 100? The answer is: of course not. Thank goodness! That means that there are things we can change to increase our longevity and quality of life. We’ll talk specifically about heart longevity here, but know that by applying these strategies you will likely improve other aspects of your body and mind.
Common sense activities that increase heart longevity:
1. Vegetarian-style diet/Mediterranean diet: colored veggies and fruits, nuts, lean meats, cheeses, oil, fish
2. Red wine, in moderation
3. Faith, whatever that is for you
4. Exercise, regular cardio with strength training
5. Community/friends/social life
6. Pick local, seasonal foods
7. Stop eating when 80 percent full
8. Music, vary genres and songs
9. Laughter, as much as you want
10. Positive attitude
Here is the research that supports the 10 points above. Through a study focusing on the Seventh-Day Adventists , it was found that their risk factor for coronary heart disease was lower than average. These individuals are vegetarians that exercise and participate in their communities. Another study through the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that Japanese men with similar cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes as American men have lower heart disease rates. This may be due to their large consumption of seafood. And seafood has high levels of fatty acids that have antiatherogenic properties.
Specifically, Okinawans have the lowest death rates from heart disease, stroke and cancer than anywhere else in the world. They make sure that they stop eating when they become 80 percent full. That means Okinawans eat slower, chew longer and eat local, seasonal foods. In addition, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota , uses music as part of its cardiovascular surgery healing program to "promote relaxation and reduce tension, stress and anxiety." Because music helps these patients relax, it decreases their pain, improves their moods and helps them to sleep better, especially during recovery.
Also, laughter is the best medicine for you heart, states Dr. Miller , a director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center and a professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Specific explanations as to why are not known but all the studies suggest that laughter may play a role in preventing heart disease. Finally, red wine , rich in antioxidants, is also a possible protector against heart disease, although no definitive studies have been done.
With all of the above suggestions and research, do not forget to speak with your doctor about your individual habits, risk factors and goals.
One of the many longevity books is The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner. It was featured on Oprah . Read it if you are a bookworm and/or health nut - you might just pick up a new habit or two!