Certainly, living to age 100 has its perks. Centenarians have seen, been involved in, and learned many things, and family and friends look to them for advice and trust their judgment. Seniors who reach age 100 can enjoy the respect a century of experience deserves. Longevity is indeed a worthy goal. What are its secrets?
Happily, the number of centenarians has doubled in recent years. Modern people have truly mastered the art of longevity. We’re living longer than ever thanks to advanced healthcare, immunizations, and infection control. The innovations of civilization give us a major head start, but to make it all the way to 100, seniors must be diligent in following healthy lifestyle practices.
Love Exercise
The single most important factor involved in longevity, researchers say, is regular exercise. Daily exercise helps the body stay in shape, from the heart to the bones. It’s also vital for long-term flexibility and balance, which can reduce debilitating falls and accidents at home.
It can be challenging for some centenarians to exercise on their own safely, and family members may not always be available to help. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Huntsville, AL, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Eat Veggies & Dark Chocolate
We’ve all heard the saying “You are what you eat,” and to enjoy healthy elder years, seniors must eat well. Increase your loved one’s fruit and vegetable intake, but don’t forget about dessert. Dessert is part of a healthy diet when it contains ample dark chocolate, according to researchers. Along with being a tasty treat, dark chocolate boosts vascular health by optimizing blood pressure.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of senior care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Be Easygoing
It’s important to not let life’s many stressors get you too down or wound up. People who live beyond 100 are invariably easygoing, glass-half-full types. They don’t panic when bad things happen—they take it all in stride. Even amid chaos, they maintain the habits that promote physical and mental resilience: sleep, healthy food intake, and daily routines.
Stay Engaged
It’s rare to see a long-lived individual who thrives in isolation. Centenarians tend to be rich in social connections to help them through good and bad times alike. Those in the best shape are extroverted, seek out companionship, stay optimistic, and frequently engage with others.
Though no single lifestyle change is guaranteed to increase your loved one’s longevity, making healthy choices in life can give him or her a better chance. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare. Huntsville Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at (256) 716-9940 today.