If we ever encounter an individual that has lived for just over a century, we are hit by two versions of amazement. The first is merely the age. Reality sinks in that we are going to live for longer as medicine and healthcare become the boon of our lifestyles. The second is that energy. You, being the youngster (somewhat) feel less energetic than their confident, older generation. It can’t be helped when you wonder, “Just how do they do that?”
With an envy-inducing, youthful glow, centenarians live and think positively. In an attempt to understand this, a health firm sent out a study, asking them what they would change about their lives.
To the firm’s interest, 50 percent of participants responded with, “nothing at all!”
“The centenarians in this year’s 100@100 survey show that maintaining a positive outlook isn’t all about focusing on what the future holds,” says Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer at United Healthcare. “Reflecting fondly and confidently on the choices they’ve made throughout their lives helps the longest-living Americans maintain a sense of satisfaction and well-being that’s vital to healthy aging.”
It almost sounds like a true feat of ‘mind over matter’, but there is indeed a few little titbits that we, as the next strains of our generation, can do for ourselves to reach this behemoth of a milestone. Take a look at some of the other responses to the survey:
- 33% of 100-year-olds say they wished that they had spent more time with their loved ones, whilst 13% expressed a desire for “better health.”
- Just 6% wanted “more money” in their life.
- 29% of 100-year-olds say they “expected” to live until the century mark.
- Only 21% of baby-boomers expect to live to 100.
- An incredible 98% of centenarians say that “keeping their mind active” is a huge key to a long, healthy life, a theme echoed by 100% of 60-65-year-olds.
- 96% of 100-year-olds say that keeping fit is a big reason they lived so long. This is reflected in the fact that more than 50% of centenarians walk or hike on a weekly basis, while 33% engage in some form on strength-training on a weekly basis.
- Only 31% of 100-year-olds say maintaining a healthy sex life is a key to a longer life, but 80% of boomers say a vibrant sex life is necessary for “healthy aging.”
- 86% of centenarians say eating nutritionally was a big factor in their making it to age 100.
- 66% say that getting regular sleep is a big factor in living longer.
So the secret? Life healthily and actively – a statement that we often hear, but perhaps seldom follow. The intrigues of what a new century will bring are always exciting – surely, in some way or another, some life changes are not entirely for the sake of it.
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