Living longer and even to 100+ is more than wishful thinking; it can be our reality compared to a century ago. The life expectancy for women 100 years ago was 54.6 at birth. Fast forward to today, the life expectancy for women at birth is 76.0. While the average life expectancy has increased significantly, there are regions known as the Blue Zones, where people live considerably longer than the global average and individuals who reach centenarian status. These blue zone regions and centenarians offer valuable insights into living longer, healthier lives.
In this article, I will share some healthy lifestyle practices by those in Blue Zone communities, centenarians, and other healthy habits that can help black women 50+ live longer, healthier lives—and potentially reach 100 and beyond.
Below is a list of suggested 10 healthy tips to help you live a longer, healthier life:
Have your annual primary healthcare appointment
An annual visit to your primary care physician is vital to living a longer, healthier life and offers some of the following benefits:
- Regular checkups can be instrumental in detecting life-threatening diseases.
- Preventive care: your doctor can advise you on preventing chronic diseases and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Studies have shown that regular checkups can also lead to significant savings in healthcare expenses.
Stop Smoking Everything
Health benefits of not smoking:
- Reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Reduce your risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary. disease (COPD)
- Reduce your risk of developing lung cancer.
Weighing yourself regularly
Benefits of weighing yourself regularly:
- It can help you lose weight.
- It can help with weight management.
- It can help in preventing chronic diseases, such as obesity.
Stress management
Some of the health benefits of stress management:
- Reduce or prevent your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
- Reduce or prevent high blood pressure.
- Reduce or prevent depression or other mental health issues.
Stay Active| Keep Moving
Benefits of an active lifestyle:
- Improve sleep.
- Manage or prevent stress-related issues (depression, anxiety, etc.)
- Reduce or prevent chronic diseases.
Get 7-8 hours of sleep nightly
Benefits of getting 7-8 hours of sleep nightly:
- Improve the immune system.
- Improve brain function.
- Sleep helps with the body’s healing and repair itself.
Stop or reduce alcohol Intake
Benefits of limiting alcohol intake:
- Improve your energy level.
- Reduce the risk of stroke and heart diseases
- Improve moods, memory, and quality of sleep
Eat more plant-based foods
Benefits of a plant-based diet:
- Plant-based foods are low in calories, low in fat, and high in fiber and nutrients, which can aid in losing weight.
- Reduce or prevent chronic diseases.
- Improve gut health
Stay Social and Community Engagement
Benefits of an active social life:
- Can reduce stress.
- Improve mental health.
- Give a sentence of purpose.
Increase water Intake-Drink recommended amount of water for your body
Benefits of drinking water:
- Aid in losing weight and maintaining weight loss.
- Lubricate joints.
- Improve kidney and brain function.
None of us can say how long we will live. However, while we’re alive, we can control our lifestyle choices.
Every step toward healthier living empowers us to live fully by controlling our daily habits.
I hope you find the article valuable and are motivated to make lifestyle changes to help you live a long, healthy life.
I would love to know what healthy habits you are following to enhance your well-being and longevity. Sharing our journeys can inspire and motivate each other to live our best lives! Please share in the comments.
Plant-Based/Vegan ebook Cookbook
Check out my downloadable eBook, Simply Healthy: 10 Quick & Easy Oil-Free Vegan Dinner Recipes, for more healthy meal ideas. You’ll find plenty of easy and tasty options to keep you motivated on your plant-based journey.
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The content on this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not professional advice and should not replace consultation with a health care professional. RBL Wellness & Beauty LLC or I, am not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or any other damages arising out of or connected with the use of the information provided on this site, including recipes, advice, and tips.
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