Revealed: The Secret to Growing Old!
By Gary Picariello
I don’t have a lot of time to think about growing old, I’ve just been too busy lately. Although considering the alternative is a lifetime membership to Forest Lawn, it’s always good to plan ahead! Statistics continue to remind us that the Japanese lifespan for both men and women is the longest in the world. That’s a heck of a yardstick! What does the Japanese culture know that the rest of us don’t? Turns out that they may be just more tuned in to common sense living.
Cut Off the Fat
You won’t live long if you’re fat. Cutting down on the calories and cholesterol will cut down on lack of circulation, which is a leading cause of falling over for a permanent KO. The website WebMD points out that people who live a long and healthy life have a number of things in common, the least of which is that almost none of them are overweight!
If you’re overweight you are putting more stress on the heart. You can get away with being a ravenous food hound when you’re young, but as you get older it’s just one more nail in the coffin. The solution? Keep calorie intake down and cut down on animal fat and sugar (not necessarily in that order). You don’t need to eat bamboo stalks and grass but plenty of beans and greens outweigh fried chicken any time.
Keep Moving
If you don’t exercise, you won’t burn off the calories and you won’t cut the weight. But more than that, exercise keeps the joints pliable. If you can’t move your joints how can you walk let alone run? And exercise lends itself to social interaction, which is another healthy byproduct of moving. Exercise keeps the blood pumping, the mind clicking and the memory working. So keep moving!
You Have to Want it
Living that is! People with a lust for life remain vital and healthy even when life throws them a curveball. Instead of taking it “easy,” you really need to take it “active!” Keep meeting people and participating in activities that stimulate both your mind and your body. Keep active at things you like doing.
Japan is not the only country that takes stock in its senior population. Why not plan on seeing the endless horizon as well by eating right and living life with your head and heart and not a knife and fork.
Experience by Amri HMS is licensed under CC BY 4.0