Everyone is interested in how to live longer and better. According to Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones, there are nine longevity secrets.
- Slow down, work less, rest & take vacations. Relaxation is key. Take time each day to relieve stress. Some use meditation and/or yoga to help with relaxing. Also, don’t rush, take time to plan and complete projects. Also, cut out noise and enjoy the quiet. Limit time spent with TV and your computer. Tip: Turn off your devices at 9 pm and don’t turn them on until 6 or 7 the next morning.
- Keep moving. Find ways to move naturally, such as walking, gardening, and use fewer labour saving devices such as escalators. One tip: identify activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your day. If you love going on short runs, do it; if you enjoy going to the gym, do it. Is swimming your thing?
- Find purpose. Find a purpose and pursue it with passion. Mine is helping boomers discover the benefits of a well-planned, holistic retirement. What’s your purpose? How do you want to be remembered? If you want to be the greatest grandmother or grandfather, then what will you do to make it happen? Write your own personal mission statement and take up a new challenge like learning a new language, skill, or instrument. Not only can this be a purpose, it’s good mental exercise.
- Stop eating when your 80% full. This will reduce your calorie consumption by 20 to 30%. Use smaller plates, bowls, and glasses.
- Dine on plants. Eat more veggies and less meat and processed foods. You don’t need to become a vegetarian but rather just increase your intake of fruits, veggies, beans, and rice.
- Drink red wine. Two servings a day or less. The plant compounds found in red wine and the skin of dark grapes help reduce heart disease. Even my doctor encourages me to have one or two glasses of red per day.
- Join a group. Create a healthy social network. One group I have a high regard for is Probus, a social organization for those 55+ who are either retired or semi-retired. Also, identify your inner circle and keep adding to it. Reconsider ties to people who bring you down, but rather associate with people who are encouraging and supportive.
- Feed your soul. Engage in spiritual activities. Deepen your existing spiritual commitment, seek out a new spiritual or religious tradition. For some, they ‘feed their soul’ through communing with nature and/or their artistic abilities.
- Love your tribe. Make family a priority. Establish family rituals like games night, family walks, or Sunday dinners. Create a place for family pictures and souvenirs that show how you’re all connected. It’s been said many times, ‘good family relations are like gold’, they add to one’s wealth.
As an observation, most successful retirees I’ve interviewed for my books and articles mention either directly or indirectly many of these longevity secrets. They have included them in their retirement planning.