HOW TO LIVE TO 100 ( strong legs & friendships will carry you there)

Smoking was not on the list...funny that.

I read a fun little article "14 Surprising Signs You'll Live Longer Than You Think" in Prevention magazine. It states that life expectancy has shot up 30 years—the greatest gain in 5,000 years of human history. And that the triple digit life span (centenarians) has also increased 51% from 1990 to 2000. That's a lot of plus 100's.


The explanation for people living so long doesn't just include, education, disease prevention and treatments but also mundane everyday habits, or circumstances in your past which Prevention magazine claim the latest research suggests might have an influence on how long and how well we'll live. Here are just a few that I thought were interesting, of the science-based signs that you might be on the right path to longevity.





"Lower-body strength translates into good balance, flexibility, and endurance. As you get older, those attributes are key to reducing your risk of falls and injuries—particularly hip fractures, which often quickly lead to declining health. Up to 20% of hip-fracture patients die within 1 year because of complications from the trauma. "Having weak thigh muscles is the number one predictor of frailty in old age," says Robert Butler, MD, president of the International Longevity Center—USA in New York City." ...Prevention Mag

Just another reason to squat.  Not only will it make your gams lean and strong, you'll live longer to boot.

"Good interpersonal relationships act as a buffer against stress," says Micah Sadigh, PhD, an associate professor of psychology at Cedar Crest College. Knowing you have people who support you keeps you healthy, mentally and physically: Chronic stress weakens the immune system and ages cells faster, ultimately shortening life span by 4 to 8 years, according to one study. Not just any person will do, however. "You need friends you can talk to without being judged or criticized," says Sadigh.

...and they're healthy

If your closest friends gain weight, your chance of doing the same could increase by 57%, according to a study in the New England of Journal of Medicine. "To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it's important to associate with people who have similar goals," says Nicholas A. Christakis, MD, PhD, the study's lead researcher. Join a weight loss group, or train with a pal for a charity walk."...Prevention Mag


I must agree tenfold with these two.  Ever wonder why you push yourself so hard on a WOD even with your 6am classmates? Or ponder why that 100-lb snatch felt so much lighter when ten people were cheering you on vs. when you tried to muscle it up by yourself? If you did not know already, there is science behind the positives of working out in community. If you have ever belonged to a gym or a dojo, a church or a charity organization, a tight-knit business or a club, then you have felt the allure and power of community. It's always nice to feel like you belong somewhere.

"You're a flourisher

About 17% of Americans are flourishers, says a study in American Psychologist. They have a positive outlook on life, a sense of purpose and community, and are healthier than "languishers"—about 10% of adults who don't feel good about themselves. Most of us fall somewhere in between. "We should strive to flourish, to find meaning in our lives," says Corey Keyes, PhD, a professor of sociology at Emory University. "In Sardinia and Okinawa, where people live the longest, hard work is important, but not more so than spending time with family, nurturing spirituality, and doing for others."...Prevention Mag

Love yourself and those around you.  Be grateful everyday!  

Go ahead and click any one of the ridiculous amounts of Prevention Mag links to read the rest. Enjoy.

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