Retirement Life Topics
Live to 100

 News for wannabe Centenarians. Everything from lifestyles to genetics.

 

Secrets for Living a Long Life 

Increasingly, it appears that there is no silver bullet, no magical pills, but research is now pointing to a number of things that centenarians have in common. One is a gene called CETP which boosts the good cholesterol HDL and protects against cardiovascular disease and dementia.

Other gene variants of FOX3 and APOE genes may also offer protective benefits. But the research has revealed some telling clues about what it takes to reach one hundred.   

Men who live to be 100 or more tend to be healthier and fitter than women who reach that age, which means they will probably be caring for their aging wives, however far more women are centenarians than men (85%). 

Most centenarians tend to be engaged in life. They are conscientious, friendly and emotionally stable. They are also good at handling stress. Instead of dwelling on problems they find ways to process them and don’t dwell on stressful occurrences. 

Few people who reach the age 100 are obese, smoke and or drink.  

Years ago my mother told me she would die young because her grandmother died when she was 32 of a heart attack.  I reminded her that everyone else in her family lived well into their late 80’s, so she had “good genes”.  She’s now 88.  Once a sort of wives’ tale, today researchers recognize that one of the most important factors in long life revolves around the age people lived to in your family.   

People born in the fall birthday have a slightly higher chance of becoming centenarians than people born in spring months.

CENTENARIAN RESEARCH

 

Who wouldn't like to live to be 100? Especially if you're still healthy and your mind is sharp. 

What is it that keeps certain bodies humming along to reach 100 years of age than their shorter-lived peers?

 

The most current research tells us that centenarians are 20 times as likely as the average person to have at least one long-lived relative. 

Aspiring centenarians shouldn't write off healthy lifestyles. Living to 100 isn’t all in the “genes” says Bradley Willcox, a longevity researcher based in Hawaii.  

If you aren’t blessed with good genes, living a healthy lifestyle is absolutely critical. In fact, healthy lifestyles account for 70-80 percent of longevity, and genetics being responsible for 20-30 percent. 

Being married, avoiding alcohol and staying fit and lean also proves to be helpful at becoming a centenarian. 

One last bit of good news. Getting old doesn’t have to mean sick or infirmed. Research on centenarians now tells us that about 15 percent of people have no signs of age-related disease at 100 years and 43 percent have no signs of disease until 80. 

 Growing Old isn't for Wussies.

Cancer-fighting foods that could help save your life

WHAT ARE THE ODDS? 

Which countries are the most likely places to retire where people love to 100?

Andorra, San Marino, Japan, Singapore and Australia are the top 5 countries to live if you want to reach one hundred.

The U.S. isn't even on the top ten list but we do have many centenarians and your chances will depend on how well you take care of yourself. Make it a goal to live to 100 by incorporating good eating habits, exercise and good mental health so as you age, your mind and body will be alert and you can continue enjoying life after retirement. Even if you can't run a marathon when you are 90, if you have hobbies that can be done at any age, and your mind is sharp living to 100 will be a joy

 Great retirement locations will help you keep active, engaged and turned on to live. If you are considering where to retire, we have some of the best places for you to consider.

 

8 HEALTHY TIPS TO REACH 100

 

One of the biggest factors that determine if you will live to 100 or how well you age is not your genes but your lifestyle.  Researchers have discovered that centenarians tend to share certain traits in how they eat, move about, and deal with stress. Follow these 8 habits and increase your life expectancy and health.

 

 1. Retire, but don’t retire from life. If you stop working and don’t continue to be active and engaged, evidence shows you are likely to have an increase in chronic disease and put on weight.  

 2. Bust a Move. Study after study has documented the benefits of exercise. It improves mood, mental acuity, balance, muscle mass, and bones. And they start improving your life the very first time you work out.  Walking about 30 minutes a day is a great way to stay healthy along with resistance training to help keep muscles toned. 

 3. Eat a good breakfast. People who eat breakfast have a lower incidence of diabetes. A good breakfast isn’t a cup of coffee. A good breakfast consists of a serving of whole-grain cereal, and a glass of juice. It helps maintain stable blood sugar levels until your next meal, lunch. healthy eating

 4. Get at least six hours of shut-eye. Instead of skimping on sleep to add more hours to your day, get more to add years to your life. "Sleep is one of the most important functions that our body uses to regulate and heal cells," says Ferrucci. "We've calculated that the minimum amount of sleep that older people need to get those healing REM phases is about six hours." Those who reach the century mark make sleep a top priority. 

 5. Floss every day. In fact, twice a day is best. This isn’t found on every list of how to have a healthy lifestyle but it’s important.  Flossing regularly helps reduces bacteria in the mouth which leads to less tooth decay. Less bacteria also helps keep your gums healthy. And because bacteria gets into the arteries where it promotes inflammation, flossing will reduce your risk of heart disease. 

 6. Eat Real Foods.  Eating real foods increases levels of certain nutrients we need for a healthy life. People who have high blood levels of certain nutrients—selenium, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E— through whole foods age much better and have a slower rate of cognitive decline (dementia). Avoid white breads, flour and sugar. Instead choose colorful fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals. And be a creature of habit. Have a consistent diet every day, go to bed at the same time every night, exercise every day... 

 7. Healthy Mind. Be persistent, and well organized. Be less neurotic and find better ways to manage your stress: Exercise, meditation can help for example. Play games like Sudoku, cross-word puzzles etc. Get a Hobby.

 8. Your Body is a Temple. No smoking, alcohol abuse, or over eating. You don’t have to live a strict vegetarian diet, but eat meat sparingly.  The American Institute for Cancer Research suggests we limit red meat to no more than 18 ounces per week (cooked weight). And the consumption of processed meat increases premature death from cancer and heart disease. Eat fruits and vegetables in season whenever possible.

 Latest reports and tips to live to 100