(As seen in the February, 2021 Senior Living section of the Clarkston News) I hate to break it to you, but we’re all aging. With each crack in the knee to the moment you can’t keep your eyes open past 8pm, life’s natural order is relentless. Relentless and glorious! No matter what, it’s happening. You are this age and time is moving. You can’t go back to the unchangeable past, so you might as well look ahead. What if you were to live in awareness? What if you were living to LIVE—not die? At Forum Health Clarkston, I’ve learned how to live for longevity and you can, too, with these easy, life-extending tips!
Limit Your Alcohol Intake and NO Smoking
Multiple studies show that heavy consumption of both is linked to liver, heart, lung, and pancreatic disease, as well as an overall increased risk of early death. Don’t abuse your body. You only get one.
Eat the Right Foods
I wish there were magic peanut butter M&Ms that kept me young and beautiful. Sadly, those delicious candies do the opposite. Studies show a correlation between an inflammatory diet high in refined sugars and impaired…everything. Extend your life with a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, healthy fats, and good sources of wild caught protein.
Spend Time in Nature
After reading research by the Nurses’ Health Study, I’m a believer in the life of a senior Snow Bird. Their studies suggest that living near a green, natural environment might reduce the risk of early mortality by 12%. There’s a lot of white out there right now. If you’re not into heading south for the winter, improvise. Use your green thumb to fill your home with houseplants. Discover the beautiful, green pines in your community and take a wintery walk. Find ways to LIVE for longevity in a life surrounded by green!
Exercise and Live for Longevity
Regular exercise is important for reducing your risk of developing chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and obesity. The science people over at the British Journal of Sports Medicine did a study that showed subjects participating in some kind of sport, swimming, aerobics or cycling all lowered their risk of cardiovascular disease by 56% when compared to those with a sedentary lifestyle.
Keep Learning
Smart people live longer. I’m serious. There are actual studies on this by all the brainiacs at Yale who will probably live forever. You don’t have to go back to school. Simply turn off the TV and pick up a book to expose yourself to new places, people and ideas. You just might increase your chances of longevity and reduce your risk of early mortality by 17%.
LAUGH and Live for Longevity
Anxiety and stress may significantly decrease your lifespan. So, there’s that and it’s no laughing matter. Your pessimism may be killing you and the brilliant people over at Psychosomatic Medicine say your happier friends could live a whole 18% longer. It’s time to prioritize your happiness by doing things that make you all warm and gooey. Smile, laugh. Be HAPPY.
Will you live for longevity?
Remember: You can’t stop the aging process, but you can choose how you spend it. Will it be in disease or will you live for longevity? It’s never too late. At Forum Health Clarkston, our experts take a functional medicine approach to uncover those underlying issues that may be holding you back. Let our proven process be your answer to a life lived for longevity! Call today to sign up for one of our monthly Meet and Greets! 248-625-5143
Adrian Schirr, Business Development Manager/Staff Writer
Forum Health Clarkston
7300 Dixie Hwy Ste 500
Clarkston, MI 48346
248-625-5143
