The variety of centenarians worldwide has increased. 151,000 in 2000 to 573,000 in 2021. People reside longer, and we will expect more people to achieve 100 in the approaching years.
Centennial Give an example of successful aging.often experienced. Less chronic diseases and maintaining independence in each day life well into their 90s. While Genetics contribute For longevity, modifiable aspects are over 60% Successful aging.
But what kinds of things specifically contribute to living to 100? To discover, we checked out the approach to life and health habits of centenarians and near-centenarians (ages 95-99) world wide.
Our A recent review Included were 34 observational studies published since 2000. Here are 4 key aspects which have helped us live longer.
1. A varied weight loss program with controlled salt intake
Centenarians and near-centenarians generally had a balanced and varied weight loss program. We found, on average, they get between 57% and 65% of their energy from carbohydrates, 12% to 32% from protein, and 27% to 31% from fat. Their weight loss program consisted of staple foods (resembling rice and wheat), fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods resembling poultry, fish, and beans, with moderate consumption of pork.
This dietary pattern, like Mediterranean dietis related to lower risks of Impairment of physical function And death.
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Most centenarians also preferred a low-salt weight loss program. While just one study in our review measured average each day sodium intake, which found 1.6 grams, it was inside this range. of the World Health Organization Recommended intake of lower than 2 grams of sodium per day (akin to about 5 grams of salt). gave Traditional Okinawan foodJapanese centenarians on the island of Okinawa are known for his or her consumption, containing an estimated 1.1 grams of sodium.
We found that prime salt intake (those that preferred salty foods or added extra salt to food) had a 3.6-fold increased risk of physical dysfunction in comparison with those that didn't prefer salt.
Practically speaking, these findings suggest that we must always include loads of whole grains, root vegetables, beans, legumes, vegatables and fruits in our weight loss program, minimize consumption of pork and eat lean poultry, fish and plants. Protein-based decisions must be made, and the salt in your weight loss program must be monitored. .
2. Less use of medicines
Centenarians usually are not resistant to chronic conditions but typically develop them much later than the common adult. More than half of the people in our review experienced common problems resembling hypertension (hypertension), dementia, or cognitive impairment.
We present in our review that individuals took a mean of 4.6 medications. The mostly used medications included blood pressure medications and heart disease medications. It's like the outcomes A large study based on a health register in Spain, which found that centenarians took a mean of 4.9 medications. Non-centenarians within the study took a mean of 6.7 medications.
The incontrovertible fact that centenarians take fewer medications may indicate higher health with fewer medical conditions. However, data on medication use are sometimes self-reported and due to this fact will not be completely accurate, particularly amongst individuals with cognitive impairment.
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Polypharmacy Often defined as taking five or more medications directly, and is common in older adults. Associated with inappropriate polypharmacy. Growing risks Adverse events resembling falls, cognitive impairment, and hospitalization attributable to harmful drug interactions.
Although the kind or number of medicines prescribed will not be under the patient's control, it's important for doctors to Prescribe medications Only when mandatory, fully inform patients of advantages and risks, and commonly review treatment plans.
3. Get an excellent night's sleep
Quality and quantity of sleep Affected immune system, stress hormones, and cardiometabolic functions resembling obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. good to sleep Good health is related to longer years and lower risks of chronic diseases.
In our survey, 68 percent of centenarians were satisfied with their sleep quality. In the 2020 Sleep Satisfaction Survey of Adults in 13 Countries, the range of sleep satisfaction 29% to 67%.
gave Optimal sleep duration Between seven and eight hours per night. Suggestions for Getting better sleep These include maintaining sleep routines, creating a calming environment, exercising commonly, and managing stress.
4. Living environment
More than 75% of centenarians and near-centenarians in our review lived in rural areas. This is a pattern that reflects “Blue Zones”, areas known for prime concentrations of centenarians, resembling Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, and Ikaria in Greece.
This could also be partly related to the connection between nature and health and well-being. For example, Green space exposure It has been linked to lower stress, depression, blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, possibly increasing it Life expectancy.
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Other necessary aspects
We didn't take a look at all lifestyle aspects related to longevity in our review. Research also shows that. No smoking, Avoid alcohol Or drink moderately, stay Physically active and retention Social connections are necessary to extend an individual's probabilities of survival by 100.
Of course, adopting the approach to life changes discussed in this text is not going to guarantee that you'll live to be 100 years old.
But many older adults try to adapt. Healthy lifestyle to forestall and manage chronic conditions, while healthcare professionals are recognizing similar value. Lifestyle medicine.
The sooner you'll be able to adopt positive lifestyle changes and healthy habits, the higher off you'll be for a protracted and healthy life. Becoming a centenarian is a lifelong endeavor.