Look at the Value of Implementing these Easy Habits

1. Walking (Secret #4 of the Oldest of the Old)
   

Running can be intensive and risk muscle and joint injury.  Research presented at the European Society of Cardiology shows that walking, even just a brisk 20-minute walk a day, can add three to seven years to your life.  Years ago I read a book Walking:  A Complete Guide to the Complete Exercise by Casey Meyers.  It encouraged me greatly to make “Walking” a consistent part of my days.  Walking is easy to do.  If it is raining, I just walk in the house.  This is one of those things that is also easy not to do.  Be one of the few who do the easy things., and do them consistently.

2. Eat More Plant Foods
(Secret 3 of the Oldest of the Old)

Healthy eating for weight loss will also add years to your life. Plant proteins supply all nine amino acids the body can’t make on its own, and plant-based proteins (unlike animal proteins) can help lower blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease, and decrease the risk of cancer. ,~ Shayna Komar, RD dietitian at Piedmont Healthcare.
Eat nuts -Don’t let the calories in nuts scare you away.  Choose to limit yourself to the treat of a few (10-12) a day.  Choose unprocessed nuts. Nuts have a key role in living to 100. They are a great source of plant-based protein. Research has shown that walnuts have a huge role in heart health because of the amount on antioxidants they contain. Nuts boost brain health says Barbara Shukitt-Hall, a PhD and USDA research Scientist in the Laboratory of Neuroscience and Aging at the USDA/Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tuffs University.  Eat more fruits and veggies, period. This will contribute greatly to health and long life.

3. Physical Strength (Secret 4  of the Oldest of the Old)

For fitness over 50, walking has already been mentioned.  We must also remember that muscles tend to deteriorate after the age of 30 or so if we are not doing some prevention.  Simple strength training  using lightweight dumbbells or even body weight  will build lean muscle mass, which increases metabolic rate, and also improves balance, protects our joints, and strengthens our muscles and bones. Harvard Medical School has found that adding strength training to your simple fitness routine with help you live a longer life, if living to 100 in health and fitness is your goal.

4. Stay young at heart (Secret 5 of the Oldest of the Old)

Oscar Wilmeth decided he wanted to live to 100. Despite major obstacles which came into his path of life to stop him, at 98 he booked a ballroom for his Centenarian Celebration. Oscar Wilhelm exercised several of the Secrets of the Oldest of the Old: He trusted God (Secret 6) and he was Self-Determined (Secret 1).

5. Keep your brain active, Keep Learning

Adler in her book: Centenarians: The Bonus Years, states “by the way, Alzheimer’s Disease is not a part of normal aging.” Remembering a very sobering statement by Gary Price Todd, M.D., in his book Nutrition, Health and Disease, we are reminded: “We grow old because we are too lazy not too. Our attitude about aging allows us to deteriorate.” 
Our brain also needs exercise. Remember health is a circle.  Regular mental workouts are fun and rewarding.  They are also easy. Make it a habit to constantly learn new things. 

6. Trust in God (Secret 6)

Panchita, a Costa Rican Centenarian, tells of how she helped and took care of her parents. She said, “Those who honor their parents are rewarded by God.” (2005 National Geographic Article.)

The Costa Rican Centenarians had an unwavering belief that no matter how bad things got, God would take care of everything.

One researcher states that when she asked the most highly functioning seniors how they are, they always say, “I feel good….thanks to God.” (Even the ones who might be blind or deaf.)