Want to know the secret to living a longer and healthier life? Eating well, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding bad habits remain essential to living and staying active longer. However, researchers have also uncovered exciting new clues about the science of aging well. AMBA’s got the tips to help you increase your life expectancy.
The current life expectancy for someone in the U.S. is more than 76 years. A century ago, the average life expectancy was closer to 54!
Source:
https://blogs.cdc.gov/nchs/2020/11/20/7035
Your Lifestyle is More Important Than Your Genetics
For many decades, the conventional wisdom was that family history was the single most important factor in health. Genetics do play a major role in one’s risk factors for health issues like diabetes, heart health, obesity, and certain cancers. However, many factors are in your control.
Eating habits and exercise may be the most critical factors associated with living longer and healthier. Ensure your diet includes plenty of high-fiber foods, lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to avoid the foods that cause the most harm, such as ultra-processed foods, excessive red meat, and added sugars. It’s also recommended to avoid tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption.
Physical activity is also essential. It’s common for people to experience a gradual loss of muscle, reduced energy, and achy joints as they age. It’s crucial to remain motivated and active. But doing that can raise your risk for disease, disability, and even death. It’s important to work with a doctor to find the types of physical activity that can help you maintain your health and mobility.
Even frail older adults can benefit from regular physical activity. One study included over 600 adults, ages 70 to 89, who were at risk for disability. The individuals were randomly placed in either a moderate exercise program that included brisk walking, strength and balance training, and flexibility exercise or a comparison group without structured exercise. After two years, not only did the exercise group gradually work up to an impressive 150 minutes of weekly activity, but the researchers also found that if individuals in the exercise group suffered an injury, they recovered faster than those in the comparison group!
The combination of different types of exercise—aerobic, strength and balance training, and flexibility—is vital to healthy aging. However, an active lifestyle is more than just getting your daily steps in.
Stay Social
It’s long been known that strong relationships and regular social interaction improve the quality of life. However, new studies reveal that meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose can also increase one’s chances of living longer and that societies with the most long-lived populations enjoy a high level of social engagement with roles for older individuals.
Engaging in social and productive activities you enjoy, such as taking an art class, joining a hiking club, or volunteering in your community, may help maintain people’s sense of well-being and independence as they age.
The key to healthy aging is to engage fully in life—mentally, physically, and socially. Enjoying peace of mind and a sense of security for your loved ones can also play an important role. The Whole Life policy from AMBA and your association can help. This plan can give you the peace of mind of protecting your family from the high cost of final expenses. Advantages include pre-approved acceptance for applicants 45-85, reasonable rates that never increase, and assurance that you will never be canceled as long as premiums are paid. Learn more at www.AMBAlifeinsurance.com or call 877-290-3173.
Sources:
https://ebm.bmj.com/content/early/2024/04/16/bmjebm-2023-112583
