The Path to Increased Wellness and Longevity

Since the dawn of human civilization people have been searching for ways to live longer and look better than their biological age and prevailing conditions would normally allow. Today our life expectancy is longer than it has ever been and scientists predict that within a few decades, 100 years can be the normal lifespan for human beings in industrialized countries.
Most experts agree that aging is due to a combination of factors; genetic inheritance, lifestyle, environment and personal attitudes toward life and aging itself. There is little we can do about our genetic composition, but there is a lot we can do to change our lifestyles and environments. A lifestyle including regular exercise, a high-fiber diet low in fat, salt and cholesterol, moderation with alcohol and abstinence from tobacco helps us to achieve wellness and longevity.
We don't have to change everything at once, but making just a few changes in our lives can have a noticeable impact on how we look and feel. Being healthy is about feeling full of life and energy with the mind, body and spirit harmoniously working together so we can lead a full and active life. Good health is a continuous process and even in our 50s and 60s, we can increase vitality and longevity by following the major lifestyle activities prescribed below.
Fitness - Regular exercise is something we can and should do for a lifetime. It helps us feel and function better physically and mentally and reduces the risk of many age-related illnesses. Exercise can help prevent premature aging due to being overweight. Elderly people who exercise on a regular basis - regardless of how much they weigh, whether they drink, smoke or have a health disorder - are typically healthier and tend to live longer than those who do not exercise. In our later years, physical activity is the most positive force in living a full life. Working out for just 30 minutes a day can substantially increase your chance of reaching age 90. Establish a fitness regimen and find a workout partner or join the local gym. Good mental health status can be sustained by practicing yoga, Tai Chi and meditation exercises.
Nutrition - A well balanced diet that is lower in calories and focuses on whole foods rather than processed foods promotes better health and longevity. It should include at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, some whole grain foods and some cold water fish such as salmon or sardines which are high in Omega-3 oils. Avoid overeating and have an early dinner to allow for proper digestion before sleeping. Adapting your eating habits to this type of diet can reduce the risk of various diseases and age-related illnesses, and supports your body to look, feel and function better.
Personal Health Management - Besides the obvious necessity of good personal hygiene, it's common sense to limit your intake of alcohol to the occasional social drink and avoid smoking. Be sensible and avoid high risk activities as well.
Detection - By engaging in early detection through regular health screenings, you are offered the opportunity to identify, prevent and successfully combat disease. Monitoring, treatment and control of chronic degenerative diseases can ensure a long and healthy life.
Education - Read and research the latest information concerning health and longevity and incorporate these practices in your daily life. What you learn on your own today will pay off tomorrow.

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