Thanks to innovations in medical science and changes to lifestyles, centenarians are becoming less rare. By living healthy, it’s possible to live to 100 and beyond. Here are some effective ways to increase the chances of living to 100.
Find a Sense of Purpose
Having a sense of purpose helps seniors live longer. Purpose takes many forms, ranging from working part-time to volunteering. Some seniors learn new hobbies after they retire, which can keep their minds sharp and provide them with a sense of accomplishment. Other seniors find purpose through their relationships with friends, family members, and loved ones. It doesn’t matter how seniors channel their interests. Staying productive and mentally agile is what’s important.
Seniors who need help staying active, managing daily activities, and maintaining a sense of independence can benefit from professional at-home care. Toronto home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Follow a Healthy Diet
To live to 100, seniors should follow a healthy diet. This means cutting out fatty foods and adding more fruits and vegetables to their diets. In his book The Blue Zones Solution, author Dan Buettner studied the diets of communities with a high percentage of 100-year-olds. These communities thrived in various places that range from remote Greek isles to Costa Rican peninsulas. His findings suggest people who want to live to 100 should eat plenty of greens, beans, nuts, and grains.
Avoid Smoking
People who want to live to 100 should quit cigarettes and other tobacco products. Smoking affects the cardiovascular system and several other body functions. Studies suggest that each cigarette reduces a person’s lifespan by 11 minutes, which means a lifetime’s worth of cigarettes adds up. However, it’s never too late for seniors to stop smoking. There are several ways to kick the habit, ranging from smoking cessation therapy to nicotine patches.
From managing daily tasks to making healthier lifestyle choices, there are various reasons seniors may need assistance. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Toronto, ON, respite care experts from Home Care Assistance are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Unhealthy levels of cholesterol and blood pressure can lead to a wide variety of ailments, which can greatly reduce a senior’s lifespan. To lower their cholesterol and blood pressure levels, seniors should adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as consuming less sodium, exercising regularly, and drinking alcohol in moderation. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important. To ensure blood pressure and cholesterol are under control, it’s important to schedule regular medical checkups. Keeping track of health with the help of a doctor is one of the best ways to live to 100.
Keep a Positive Outlook on Life
Optimism is essential to a long and healthy life. It’s not that staying positive in and of itself lowers cholesterol or boosts cardiovascular health. However, the side effects of staying positive can change the course of a senior’s life. Seniors who face the challenges in their lives with optimistic attitudes tend to maintain friendships, stay social, and stave off loneliness and depression. A good attitude has ripple effects on a senior’s life, allowing him or her to stay happy for longer.
Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Toronto seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. If your aging loved one wants to enjoy a high quality of life in the comfort of home, call Home Care Assistance at (416) 488-8777.