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We all want to live as long as possible, not only for ourselves, but to see our children and grandchildren grow older and to be able to share their life journeys with them. Here are 12 signs that you’ll live to be 100 years old, and many of them are pretty simple factors you can control!
1. You watch what you eat
If you limit your caloric intake between 1,400 and 2,000 calories per day, your heart will function like someone much younger! That’s roughly 25% less than what average people eat. Of course, everyone’s needs vary based on their workout routines and lifestyles. The key is getting the most nutrition per calorie.
2. You love tea
Having one or two cups of green or black tea every day can be very beneficial to your heart health. Just make sure it’s a fresh brew for optimal results!
3. You eat purple food
Grapes, blueberries, and wine and any other naturally blue or purple foods reduce the risk of heart disease and can even protect against Alzheimer’s disease. The polyphenols keep arteries and blood vessels flexible and healthy!
4. You don’t like red meat
Everyone once in a while, eating about two-and-a-half ounces of beef, lamb, or pork is fine. But consuming more than 18 ounces of red meat per week increases your risk for colorectal cancer. So enjoy that occasional hot dog at a baseball game, just don’t overdo it!
5. You like to go out for a run
Staying active is key. Even if you are older like me and can’t go out for a run, there are plenty of ways keep active and moving during our golden years! Aerobic exercise keeps the immune system young, and just 20 minutes of activity a day that leaves you breathless can boost your health!
6. You look on the bright side
Having a positive outlook on life is super important. As an optimist, you attack things in a healthy way and continue to feel young the older you get. So keep that glass half full!
7. You get enough sleep
Sleep is hugely underrated. An extra hour of sleep per night or a half-hour nap during the day can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 37%!
8. You have lots of friends
Staying social and sharing life moments with others gives you more reason to live and the mental stimulation for a better outlook on life. So schedule that lunch date and take a weekend cruise with friends!
9. You’re a woman
Let’s face it; Women tend to live longer than men. Women generally are better at taking care of each other and going to the doctor when needed, whereas men take more risks and have a harder time maintaining social contact…
10. You had kids later in life
Having kids later in life is an indicator that a woman’s reproductive system is aging slowly, and therefore, the rest of her body likely is as well. Nowadays, women are generally waiting longer to start their families, and that can be a good thing!
11. Your grandparents lived until a ripe old age
If your grandparents lived well into their golden years, chances are you’ll get there too! Genetics play a small part in life expectancy, so this can be seen as the cherry on top of all the other factors you control.
12. You’re spiritual
A study showed that those who attended one religious service each week were less likely to be depressed than those who did not. Prayer and positivity and social gathering all play into this, and a positive outlook on life, and the afterlife, can do wonders!
If most of these are you, you’re in luck! While there is no guarantee anyone will live to an old age, the more things on this list you can focus on and check off, the better your chances. And that’s all we can ask for! 🙂
See the 12 signs in great detail in the video here:
