Longevity Lifestyle: A Roadmap Living Long and Well

Oh, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people in my life say, “you gotta die of something.” This is almost always preceded by them doing something dangerously destructive to their bodies like eating one too many donuts when they know they’re diabetic or drinking one too many beers despite being well aware that they have failing kidneys. I don’t even think many people consider that they need to adopt a longevity lifestyle.

The sad part about this is that I do indeed have had many people in my life die young and/or painfully because of lifestyle-related diseases. The majority of those I know who have lived to be old are not at all healthy. They are dealing with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, gout, the list is endless. I even know people my own age who are so overweight that they can barely walk one block. I’m only 45!

My Mom, My Inspiration:

The lady in the photo above is my mom, she’s in her late-60s and can still climb a tree with a chain saw in one hand! She’s always been fit and has never had any major illnesses. With a bar set high like that how could I aspire to anything other than a long healthy life.

Well, I’m on a mission to be a centenarian and to do so without chronic sickness like the people in the Blue Zones do. 🤗 What are Blue Zones?  The Blue Zones are the places in the world where people have low rates of chronic disease and live longer than anywhere else. If you want to join me on that mission here are some tips for you.

Embracing Blue Zones Wisdom:

I believe in eating organic as much as possible and avoiding foods that are heavily processed. I don’t advocate for any specific diet so long as the food is from the earth and eaten in moderation. I definitely agree that the evidence is overwhelming that too much meat consumption is hazardous to our health but there is plenty of evidence to show that eating meat sparingly, especially fish, can be beneficial for optimal nutrition. When or if you do eat meat, get meat that is farmed sustainably with our health, the health of the animals, and the planet in mind.

“In all five places, the common denominators include mostly a plant-based diet,” Buettner tells NBC News Better. “There’s five pillars to every Blue Zone diet: whole grains, greens, tuberous (sweet potatoes or potatoes), nuts and beans. The most important one is beans. A cup of beans a day could add two to three years to your life.” Dan Buettner, Author of The Blue Zones, Second Edition: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.

Move Your Body:

Our sedentary lifestyles are killing us. The human body was made to move. Gaining weight is what most of us think of when we think of what happens if we don’t exercise but that’s just one downside of being sedentary. Lack of movement can cause you to lose muscle strength and endurance because you are not using your muscles, your bones may get weaker and you might even lose some of the mineral content. That weight gain we think of is because the lack of activity impacts your metabolism, and can cause your body to have more trouble breaking down fats and sugars. Even more so, being sedentary can weaken your immune system. The recent impact of COVID highlights the significance of a robust immune system.

Mindful Living:

In addition to healthy eating and exercise, you can promote a long life by maintaining overall wellness through being mindful in all things. I’m not a Buddist but there are many things in Buddhist philosophy that have always spoken to me. One is the tenets of the 8 Fold Noble Path: Right Understanding; Right Intent; Right Speech; Right Action; Right Livelihood; Right Effort; Right Mindfulness; and Right Concentration.

I’m definitely a work in progress and I expect to be as long as I’m alive but that is part of the challenge, to continually try to improve oneself. For me, I simply try to live a positive footprint in every aspect of my life in any way that I can. I believe the body manifests the ugliness we send out into the world so one of the best ways to live a long healthy life is just to be a good person. Constant self-improvement is the ongoing challenge.

Spark Joy:

Seek joy and adventure to stimulate both endorphins and brain neurons. Smiling, a simple yet powerful act, not only boosts mood but offers health benefits like reduced stress, improved immune function, and potentially, a longer life.

Detox Your Life:

Reducing exposure to environmental toxins, both in cleaning products and personal care items, is essential. Opting for sustainable and clean alternatives, like those from Grove, aligns with a commitment to a healthier life.

The “Dirty Dozen” to Avoid:

Highlighting harmful ingredients, the “Dirty Dozen” includes substances like parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Choosing clean and sustainable products is a conscious step towards a toxin-free lifestyle.

Final Thoughts:

While acknowledging life’s uncertainties, the pursuit of a pain-free and prolonged existence is worth the effort. Education, informed choices, and personal responsibility form the foundation for a life free of negligence and ignorance. Though mortality is inevitable, the aim is to navigate it gracefully, ensuring it’s not due to avoidable oversights.

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