Aging in Healthy Way

Discussion 2- Aging in Healthy Way

Discussion 2- Aging in Healthy Way

First, play the NBC Video above to learn about the new book, “Blue Zones” by Dan Buettner. Then, take the quiz below. Using your book and your lifestyle, describe your own personal risk factors for aging poorly or your protective factors for aging well. Using the quiz, ideas from the book, or Dan’s 9 suggestions (at the bottom of page), what suggestions could you adopt to prolong your lifespan and improve your health? Do any of the 9 suggestions surprise you ?

Natural Geographic researcher Dan Buettner has traveled the world noting patterns of behavior among cultures who have the most centenarians. His research has indicated these cultures have the following characteristics:

1. Move NaturallyThe world’s longest-lived people don not pump iron or run marathons. Instead, their environments nudge them into moving without thinking about it.
2. PurposeWhy do you wake up in the morning? Knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to seven years of extra life expectancy.
3. Down ShiftStress leads to chronic inflammation, associated with every major age-related disease. The world’s longest-lived people have routines to shed that stress.
4. 80% Rulethe Okinawans say this mantra before meals as a reminder to stop eating when their stomachs are 80 percent full.
5. Plant SlantThe cornerstone of most centenarian diets? Beans. They typically eat meat, mostly pork only five times per month.
6. Wine @ 5Moderate drinkers outlive non-drinkers, especially if they share those drinks with friends.
7. BelongAttending faith-based services four times per month, no matter the denomination, adds up to 14 years of life expectancy.
8. Loved Ones FirstCentenarians put their families first. They keep aging parents and grandparents nearby, commit to a life partner and invest in their children.
9. Right TribeThe world’s longest lived people chose or were born into social circles that support healthy behaviors.