As the new year approaches, many of us are looking for ways to live longer and healthier. We often look to centenarians for inspiration, but is there truth behind their seemingly magical lifestyle habits? Not always.
While Susannah Mushatt Jones and Juan Vicente Perez lived to be 117 and 101 years old, respectively, their secrets to longevity were not as simple as they seemed. In fact, experts say that many of the centenarians’ habits, such as daily bacon consumption and heavy drinking, would likely shorten a person’s lifespan.
According to Mark Cortnage, Public Health and Nutrition course leader at Anglia Ruskin University, “The reason why there aren’t another 100 million centenarians is because [many] who have smoked or drunk so much every day are sadly not with us anymore.”
However, Cortnage also emphasizes that lifestyle factors such as keeping active, eating well, and having a sense of purpose are crucial to longevity. A Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fish, wholegrains, and olive oil can be beneficial, as can finding activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
The key is not to blindly follow centenarians’ habits, but rather to understand the complexities of aging and longevity. As Richard Faragher, professor of biogerontology at the University of Brighton, notes, “You should never take health and lifestyle tips from a centenarian because luck and genetics are huge factors in determining lifespan.”
Ultimately, it’s not about living forever, but about living well and being healthy for as long as possible. With a balanced approach to life and a focus on preventing chronic diseases, we can increase our chances of enjoying a long and healthy life.
Source: https://fortune.com/europe/2024/12/29/never-take-health-tips-from-a-centenarian-say-experts-this-is-what-you-should-do-to-live-longer