Senior Health

11/22/2017 | By Terri L. Jones

The 2010 U.S. Census counted over 53,000 Americans who were 100 years or older. Then in 2016, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that the number of centenarians had grown even more … to more than 72,000 in 2014.

A 2017 survey by the Cleveland Clinic and Parade (of adults age 18 and over) found that an overwhelming 69 percent of us are striving to hit that 100-year mark. Obviously, good genes, along with staying active, eating right and getting enough sleep, play big parts in whether we’ll reach triple digits. But according to an article in Prevention magazine, there are some other secrets to hyper-longevity that just might surprise you. Check out a few of them below:

Drink tea.

Studies show that drinking five or more cups of green tea on a daily basis decreases your risk of heart disease- and stroke-related death. That’s because green and black teas contain catechins, which help improve blood flow and reduce the incidence of heart attack.

Clean the house.

When performing routine chores like vacuuming, mopping floors or washing windows for about an hour, you can burn approximately 285 calories. In the process, you’ll lower your risk of death by 30 percent.

Eat purple food.

Polyphenols are the reason for concord grapes’, blueberries’ and red wine’s vivid color, but these natural chemicals also have been shown to help protect you from heart disease. Plus, research has found that when you consume one or more cups of blueberries a day, you may also help sharpen your memory.

Attend religious services.

If you’re female and attend religious services at least once a week, you have a 20 percent lower risk of death, probably due to the emotional support and stress relief provided by your faith.

Spend time with a young child.

Grandparents who play and care for their grandchildren have a 37 percent greater chance of living longer than those who don’t. Even those who spend time with children who are not related to them will on average live another three years.

Share how you plan to live to be 100.

Terri L. Jones

Terri L. Jones has been writing educational and informative topics for the senior industry for over ten years, and is a frequent and longtime contributor to Seniors Guide.

Terri Jones