Ten tips to help you live longer

Sampling the opinion of a few people on how long they wouldl like to live, they gave these responses. Tajudeen Musa, a 40 year old writer says he wants to live for seventy five years while Muhammed Adamu, a trader in his mid 30’s prefers to live a little above 60 years old. For Samson […]

Sampling the opinion of a few people on how long they wouldl like to live, they gave these responses. Tajudeen Musa, a 40 year old writer says he wants to live for seventy five years while Muhammed Adamu, a trader in his mid 30’s prefers to live a little above 60 years old. For Samson Gana, he would like to live for 80 years. Many others pray to see their 100th birthday but none wanted to die young.

Living longer and feeling younger are probably two of the common goals adults share everywhere. Since there are no magic age-erasers to stop or reverse the aging process just yet, it’s up to us to do what we can to slow down the clock. That may seem daunting, but there are some simple things we can do every day to lead longer, healthier lives and prevent premature aging.

Scientist and doctors alike have come up with tips that can help you live healthy and thus longer. Dr Osi-ogbu, a Consultant Physician and a Geriatrician with the National Hospital, Abuja outlined the following tips that will help people to age gracefully and have a healthy life:

– Avoid toxins i.e. tobacco in all forms, drug abuse and excessive alcohol/ caffeine intake. This is one rule that should be abided by for anyone who hopes to live long. Emphasizing this point, Dr Trisha Macnair in his book, The Long Life Equation says “Cigarrate can reduce 10 years from your life as tobacco smoke contains highly toxic chemicals”. Similarly, some researchers at the University of Iowa and Carver College of Medicine found out this link between smoking and premature aging. They identified that a key protein that is vital against pre-mature aging is decreased in smokers with chronic lung disease. Their result says “smoking can accelerate the aging process and shorten the lifespan by an average of more than 10 years.”

– Eating a balanced diet, low carbohydrate, and low fat with several portions of fruits a day can enhance longevity. Such healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low fat dairy products.

– Exercise routinely at a minimum of 40 minutes daily in quick paces five times a week, Dr Ogbu prescribed. Exercise here includes all of the following activities; walking, running, cycling, skipping, swimming, skating, dancing, aerobics and any other sport.

– Good sleep regime also enhances longevity, the Consultant informed. She prescribed a restful 6-7 hours sleep a day as well as avoiding stimulants in the bedroom.

– Positive attitude to life and to challenges as well as keeping the company of those that inspire you in a positive way is another life enhancer which Dr Osi-Ogbu recommends. Psychologists say social support is a major factor in an individual’s health. In other words, your social connection-family members, friends and neigbours –would make your life healthier and less stressful.

– Maintain a balanced spiritual life, not being fanatical about religion, being tolerant, with great respect and love for humanity, as well as meditating routinely.

– Routine annual medical check-ups to identify diseases early and treat them promptly is another secret to long life which the doctor reveals. Here a visit to the doctor at least once a year for complete check up (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar level, liver function e.t.c is the key.

– Make time for recreation of your own choice.

– Laugh a lot. Wear comfortable outfit that boost your self-esteem

– Engage yourself meaningfully in business, office job, or otherwise to allow you contribute to the growth of the world that you live in. if one keeps to the above from a young age, you are likely to age gracefully, the geriatrician opines.

From the above prescription, one can conclude that longevity depends on what you eat and your lifestyle. This is not far from the truth as Breuning in an interview before his death attributed his long life to eating just two meals a day, working as long as he could and always embracing change.

The oldest living man is now believed to be Jiroemon Kimura, of Japan, who turned 114 on April 19 this year.