Is it ever too late to make positive changes to your health? A new study brings encouraging news for those in their golden years. Research published in JAMA Network Open suggests that adopting a healthy lifestyle, even after the age of 80, can significantly improve your chances of living to 100.
The study, conducted in China, looked at over 5,000 people, including centenarians and those who died before reaching 100. Researchers found that those with the highest healthy lifestyle scores — based on factors like smoking history, exercise routines, and dietary diversity — were more likely to reach the century mark compared to those with less healthy habits.
Dr. Scott Kaiser, a geriatrician not involved in the study, explains the importance of these findings: “Striving to lead a long life may lead to making healthy choices — recognizing the many things we can do to drastically increase our odds of living longer and putting effort into making these positive changes to our behaviors and, even, mindset.”
So, what can you do to improve your odds of becoming a centenarian? Experts recommend focusing on five key areas:
- regular cardiovascular exercise
- strength training
- mindfulness practices like yoga or tai chi
- balance exercises
- engaging in enjoyable physical activities
Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet rich in leafy greens, root vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins can contribute to longevity. It is also never too late to quit smoking (if you smoke) and start exercising your brain with activities like word puzzles or crosswords.
Remember, it’s not just about living longer – it is about living better. By adopting these healthy habits, not only do you increase your chances of reaching 100, you are also likely to improve your overall quality of life in the process.
