Human’s fascination with centenarians and longevity is almost inevitable to get away from. From myths to real life tales, we all want to live longer, feel good and look younger while we are doing it- a feat that is achieved by very few. So there must be a secret, right? Though the idea of a secret to longevity might seem fantastical, Swedish researchers have examined the traits and behaviours that are correlated with reaching 100 years of age. News.com.au [1] reports on the 4th of May, 2015:
“Researchers at the University of Gothenburg conducted surveys at ages 54, 60, 65, 75, 80 and 100, which allowed the scientists to highlight factors that promoted longevity.
Dr Lars Wilhelmsen, who has been involved in the study for the past 50 years, said that the study’s “unique design has enabled us to identify the factors that influence survival after the age of 50.” [1]
The longitudinal study was published in the Scandanavian Cardiovascular Journal, and the research team identified indicative results from their findings. They found three key elements to a long life for those who want to live until they are 100:
“Our recommendation for people who aspire to centenarianism is to refrain from smoking, maintain healthy cholesterol levels and confine themselves to four cups of coffee a day,” he said.” [1]
These lifestyle factors had much stronger influence on health and long life than genetics than previously thought. A long lived mother has said to show good genetics for longevity, but these three lifestyle factors play a more important role in determining long life and good health [1]. Of those who lived to be 100, most (7 out of 10) were still in psychical and mental health:
“… two lived at home and five in assisted facilities. None smoked, and all displayed good temporal and spatial cognition which involves a sense of time and space. In addition, despite universally using walking frames, every 100-year-old was slim and had a good posture.” [1]
Indeed, the saying is true: good health, long life.
Reference
[1] News.com.au
