If You Do This, Then You May Live To 100
Have you planned your 100th birthday party?
Why not?
Remember, the pictures you put in your brain are important.
Everyone wants to live a long, good life, and science is helping us make that happen. This is an opportunity, and a challenge.
Is there a secret to living a long, good life? Maybe.
Hans Seyle says, “If you want to live a long life, focus on making contributions.”
True. And are there other lifelong secrets? It turns out there are. Let’s hear from some experts people who have actually lived to be a hundred. If asked, what advice would they give you?
“Don’t eat junk food.” –Besse C, 116
Good advice, Besse. Food can be a medicine, or toxin for your brain.
“My family has always given me meaning. Having friends help too.” –Justina S, 100
Justina is right. Science says that staying connected and engaged with others is one of the best things you can do to keep your brain healthy.
“Kindness. Treat people right and be nice to other people.” –Gertrude W, 116
A good reminder, Gertrude. Charles Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip would agree, as I mentioned in one of my previous articles The Charles Schulz Philosophy which tells you that our brains remember what touches us emotionally, such as an act of kindness.
“I live on green vegetables.” –Bernando L, 111
Well done, Bernando. I eat a lot of them too. And other things. I take my brain health seriously, and that includes eating anti-oxidants.
To find out the top 20 best brain saving fruits and vegetables, read one of my previous articles Is Your Brain Rancid?
“I made sure that I got plenty of exercise, and ate a nice warm bowl of porridge every morning.” –Jessie C, 107
Jessie, exercise and porridge are great for your brain, as breakfast is your brain meal.
“Friends, a good cigar, drinking lots of good water, staying positive, and lots of singing will keep you alive for a long time.”– Christian M, 115
Christian, you got most of this right. Music has a powerful effect on your brain. By really understanding and experiencing the powerful effects that certain music has on your brain, you can get your brain to do so much more for yourself.
“I do lots of good deeds, so maybe that’s helped.”–Rose S, 100
Without a doubt. Science confirms altruism is good for your brain.
“Love people. Find something to like about the person… It’s there. Because we’re all just people.”– Lucille B, 100
“I participate in lots of activities. I play bingo, do crafts, and attend fitness classes, like zumba, chair yoga, sittercise.” –Mae L, 100
“I travelled the world. People interested me then, and still do. I remain very curious about life, and if something new happens, I want to be involved.” –Lili R, 100
Big like, Lili. And you get the final word.
Concluding thoughts
Living a long life with a good brain is a remarkable achievement.
Now you know how.
“Being miserable is a habit; being happy is a habit; and the choice is yours.”
Terry Small is a brain expert who resides in Canada and believes that anyone can learn how to learn easier, better, faster, and that learning to learn is the most important skill a person can acquire. To connect with Terry, write to him at editor@leaderonomics.com. For more Brain Bulletin articles, click here.
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