By Gary Geyer
“Get up and live a happy life.” –Jane Fonda
The UCLA Longevity Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing and extending productive and healthy lives through research and education, honored Jane Fonda last Saturday for her environmental, human rights and health efforts, as well as her work for women’s empowerment and in the entertainment and fitness industry.
Your genes alone do not determine longevity.
The misconception is that it is your genes that determine your longevity. The truth is that genetics account for a maximum of 30 percent of your life expectancy –- the rest comes from your behaviors, attitudes, environment and a little bit of luck.
Live just for the fun of it.
That old joke, “Everything I love is either illegal, immoral or fattening,” just isn’t true. Many things that are fun and pleasurable are also good for you. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to mean treadmills and salads everyday. They are important, of course, but don’t overlook what makes you feel good. Here’s a partial list. We invite you to add to it and let us know.
1. Sex and more sex
Sex and touching are thought to be essential parts of health. Sex releases an assortment of beneficial chemicals in the body. Sex and touching help us bond with others, strengthens relationships, and increases our own self-worth. Frequent sex may even extend your life by years.
2. Reward your sweet tooth with dark chocolate
Dark Chocolate is a wonderful food that contains a large amount of antioxidants that protect your body from aging. Find good quality dark chocolate, learn to appreciate it and have a bit of it each day. Eating dark chocolate may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol while providing an energy boost.
3. Laugh more or at least smile
It’s said that laughter is medicine for the soul. Laughter stimulates feel-good chemicals in the brain. Watch a comedy or talk to a funny friend. Smiling is a great way to change your attitude, connect with people and give benefit to your body. Like relaxation smiling can work to counteract the effects of stress. By forcing ourselves to smile we “trick” our body into believing that everything is good, thereby reducing stress. Like a switch, smiling can actually change your mood. So put a smile on, even if you don’t feel like it, and pretty soon you’ll be smiling for real.
4. Toast life with red wine
Red wine is packed with resveratrol, an antioxidant. Resveratrol works to protect your heart against the effects of aging. One or 2 glasses of red wine a day can help keep your body young.
5. Lighten up
Relaxation is the opposite of stress. While stress brings harmful health effects, relaxation helps our bodies to rest, heal and function better. By practicing daily relaxation techniques you can train yourself to turn off your stress and replace it with calm energy. This will improve your blood pressure, heart rate and ability to cope with life’s challenges.
6. Get physical. Often.
Physical games and sports are a great way to keep both your body and mind healthy. Simple exercise routines are great for maintaining balance, flexibility, endurance and strength. Group games and sports can give your mind a workout as well, as you anticipate other people’s actions and how to work together. Find a game and activity that suits your level of physical ability and play often.
7. Zzzzzzzz
Sleep is an essential body function. Most people do not get enough sleep. Medications, stress, illness and poor sleep habits all can prevent you from getting between 7 and 9 hours a night. The health benefits of sleep include more energy, better immune function, and more.
8. Bond more
Relationships are an important part of health. Not only do strong bonds with other people mean you will have help when you need it, being connected also means protection from loneliness, depression, and mental illness. Spend time cultivating your relationships with friends and family to improve your health and your life.
9. Keep on playing those mind games
Mind games are a great way to stay involved and engaged in the world. Games can exercise different parts of your mind and entice your curiosity. If possible, choose social games like chess or bridge that exercise your brain while keeping you connected with others.
10. Celebrate the passing years
According to researchers, having a positive attitude about aging can add more than seven years to your life. Avoid the cultural push to glorify youth and regret each passing year. Find ways to pleasure in your increasing age and enjoy greater learning, experience, and control in your life.
11. Get a dog
It has been said those who live alone are destined for a shorter life. One needs interaction with others. If there’s no special person in your life there’s nothing wrong in making your significant other a dog. Dogs are lively companions, someone always happy to see you, loves you unconditionally, gets you out of the house for exercise, and makes you laugh.
Information in this article was partially obtained from Mark Stibich, Ph.D.
Add other fun ways to live longer by replying below.
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