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What’s the secret to living a long life? Millions of people are constantly searching for an answer to this question. Many have lived well past the average age expectancy. These people are looked upon with great admiration and envy, for having beaten the odds, having defied death for so long.
When asked what they attribute their longevity to, their replies often differ.
Some say that it’s one key ingredient in their diet that’s the secret. “Cod liver oil…that made the difference” one older person claimed. One man for example believes that having 2 drinks of brandy every day has carried him past the century mark. While a woman who has reached one hundred years of life said the key to her longevity is due to avoiding alcohol.
Certain scientists believe that a person’s life span is determined by their genetic make-up. Other scientists however claim that people, who have higher risks in developing chronic diseases from heredity, may be able to avoid them by taking certain steps and may still attain longevity.
In fact, studies have shown that through behavior modification including stress management, exercise participation, diet improvement, and even medication, a person can overcome certain diseases and in some cases can prevent them from happening entirely, just by reducing certain health risk factors.
In a report from CNN.com, Dr. Collazo-Clavell says that diabetes patients can significantly reduce chances of developing heart disease if preventive steps are taken. Diabetes patients are normally against the odds with the risk of developing heart disease. But this doesn’t have to be the case. According to Dr. Collazo-Clavell, taking aggressive action and making certain lifestyle changes a person with diabetes can beat the odds. (1)
There is little doubt however that genetics play a significant role in determining a person’s life span. Just as heredity plays a role in passing down or increasing risks of developing certain health conditions, it plays a similar role in increasing chances of longevity.
According to research by Robert W. Griffith, MD, people that lived over a hundred years, on some occasions had siblings or someone in their family tree that also passed the hundred year mark. (2)
It seems that a large percentage of elderly people have one thing in common. They have been fairly active most of their lives. And have stayed active well into the late stages of life. Or, at least as long as their health condition has allowed them to.
A study from the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, shows that exercise participation is very important in maintaining health and longevity. (3)
A significant percentage of elderly people have also enjoyed lower stress levels. This does not mean, necessarily, that they have been subjected to lower amounts of stress than others. It may mean that they were better able to manage stressful situations than others.
You will find that a lot of these older people
possess a sense of inner peace, and many are very proud of their longevity. In addition, these people are testament to the multitude of studies conducted on the many benefits of exercise. One of which is improved psychological condition.
In fact physical activity may have a multifold effect on a person’s psychological state. First of all, evidence has shown that certain forms of exercise trigger the release of chemical substances in the brain which have a positive effect on mental attitude.
Secondly, regular exercise improves body composition, by reducing body fat and increasing lean body mass. As a result a person’s physical appearance improves and becomes more appealing, triggering feelings of accomplishment and self satisfaction.
Consequently, the subject’s self image improves as the state of mind switches to a more positive level. Being in this state more often, enables the person to be more resourceful, better able to handle crisis situations. As we can see, the benefits of exercise participation come in a snow ball type of effect.
Along with improved physical appearance and psychological condition, there are many other health benefits of regular exercise. Exercise participation, studies show, has tremendous positive effects on human health. Even a low intensity exercise activity like walking, for example, can substantially improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. (4)
In summary, exercise activity, whether in the form of an organized extra curricular activity, or a product of a particular lifestyle, is a legitimate factor in living a long life. Although there is no one secret ingredient to longevity, exercise plays a very important role. There are other factors that come in to play as well such as preventative nutrition, stress management and avoidance of excessive lifestyles.
Striving to maintain a good balance between all the above factors and to follow a principle of variety and moderation with all aspects of life would be good advice.
References:
1 CNN.com, “Diabetes and heart disease: Overcoming the odds”, retrieved 15 Jan. 2005 from http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DA/00052.html
2 healthandage.com, “Centenarians - The Role of Genetics”, retrieved 16 Jan. 2005 from http://www.healthandage.com/PHome/gid2=2899
3 http://www.hsph.harvard.edu, “Study Finds that Both Weight and Exercise Are Key to Longevity”, retrieved 17 Jan. 2005 from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/press/releases/press12222004.html
4 http://www.physsportsmed.com, “Exercise in Treating Hypertension - Tailoring Therapies for Active Patients”, retrieved 18 Jan. 2005 from http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2002/03_02/lowenthal.htm
About the Author
John Tiniakos is the author of NL Natural Weight Loss Program which can be found at http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/natural.htm. He also writes a free monthly newsletter with valuable news, tips and advice on diet, health and weight loss. For a free subscription go to http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/natural.htm.
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