Live to 100
Surprising Signs You'll Live to 100
Corbis
Provided by Prevention
Extroverts, runners are more likely to become centenarians
You don't snore
Snoring is a major sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder that causes you to stop breathing briefly because throat tissue collapses and blocks your airway. In severe cases, this can happen 60 to 70 times per hour.
Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, memory problems, weight gain, and depression. An 18-year study found that people without OSA were 3 times more likely to live longer than those with severe apnea. If you snore and have excessive daytime drowsiness or mood changes, talk with your doctor about a referral to a sleep center.
You're the life of the party
Outgoing people are 50 percent less likely to develop dementia, according to a recent study of more than 500 men and women age 78 and older from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Participants also described themselves as not easily stressed.
Researchers speculate that their more resilient brains may be due to lower levels of cortisol -- studies show that oversecretion of this "stress hormone" can inhibit brain cells' communication. Science-backed ways to cut cortisol levels: Meditate, sip black tea, or take a nap.
You run for 40 minutes a day
Scientists in California found that middle-aged people who did just that -- for a total of about 5 hours per week -- lived longer and functioned better physically and cognitively as they got older; the researchers tracked runners and nonrunners for 21 years.
"What surprised us is that the runners didn't just get less heart disease -- they also developed fewer cases of cancer, neurologic diseases, and infections," says study author Eliza Chakravarty, MD, an assistant professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. "Aerobic exercise keeps the immune system young." If you don't like to run, even 20 minutes a day of any activity that leaves you breathless can boost your health, she says.
You like raspberries in your oatmeal
Most Americans eat 14 to 17 g of fiber per day; add just 10 g and reduce your risk of dying from heart disease by 17 percent, according to a Netherlands study. Dietary fiber helps reduce total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol, improve insulin sensitivity, and boost weight loss. One easy fix: Top your oatmeal (½ cup dry has 4 g fiber) with 1 cup of raspberries (8 g) and you get 12 g of fiber in just one meal.
Try some of these other potent fiber-rich foods: ½ cup of 100 percent bran cereal (8.8 g), ½ cup of cooked lentils (7.8 g), ½ cup of cooked black beans (7.5 g), one medium sweet potato (4.8 g), one small pear (4.3 g).
You feel 13 years younger than you are
That's what older people in good health said in a recent survey of more than 500 men and women age 70 and older. "Feeling youthful is linked to better health and a longer life," says researcher Jacqui Smith, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Michigan. "It can improve optimism and motivation to overcome challenges, which helps reduce stress and boost your immune system and ultimately lowers your risk of disease."
You embrace techie trends
Learn to Twitter or Skype to help keep brain cells young and healthy, says Sherri Snelling, senior director for Evercare (part of United-Healthcare), a group that sponsors an annual poll of U.S. centenarians. Many of the oldest Americans send e-mails, Google lost friends, and even date online. Researchers say using the latest technology helps keep us not only mentally spry but socially engaged: "Stay connected to friends, family, and current events, and you feel vital and relevant," says Snelling.
Next: How Calories and Vitamin D Affect Longevity
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Recent Comments
Simzillyjp 01:57:55 PM Aug 22 2009
How can anyone live to 100 years old when EVERYTHING you do causes cancer.
NovelEagle 12:38:02 PM Aug 22 2009
I'm 77 and I just told my son that I want to spend my 103rd, birthday riding behind him on his motorcycle. I wonder if he'll be able to handle it at 76?
Brewcard 12:27:23 PM Aug 22 2009
OH BOY OH BOY I don't want to live to be 100!!! Next week might even be too long!!!!
RLNCCORLIS 12:08:29 PM Aug 22 2009
JVJA733 Me too only I am somewhat older than u, like 83 will be 84 in 2 mo. I am very active don't have to many health problems takeing care of my husband a full time job who is quite ill, but I don't want to live to be 100 unless I am at least as or all most as active as I am now. Other wise for get it.
OTTO25C 10:06:28 AM Aug 22 2009
Living to a 100 is no fun unless you are alert and healthy. Running 40 min. a day causes problems with the knees.So, if you can, go swimming instead. Light Yoga, light weight lifting every morning for about 30 min. should do the trick. Watch what you eat and drink, stay the proper weight for your height and age. Don't snack on high calorie junk food, drink water instead of pop, do not drink or eat anything after 6:00pm. Read for brain activity and if you make it to 80, be happy and content.
Straw26 08:10:51 AM Aug 22 2009
I'd like to live to be 100 if I can have my family and friends too. I see my father who is 85 years old struggling with loneliness.
JVJA733 08:04:51 AM Aug 22 2009
i am 72 1/2 years old and enjoy good health.....as long as my health is good and i can be independent...i want to live as long as possible....i will leave this world kicking and screaming.......and i enjoy every single day.....joann
TTFNEeyore 08:02:08 AM Aug 22 2009
Running 40 minutes a day? Orthopedics and Physical Therapists will tell you that you will be looking for new knees. Running like that is very hard on the knees and the spine. A good cardiovascular workout with equipment that isn't as hard on your joints is much better. If we all had access to indoor pools, swimming 40 minutes a day would be excellent. None of us are promised a tomorrow. The air is polluted, the water is polluted, and every week the news is telling us of something else that is polluted. Live your life today like there is no tomorrow but be kind, honest and true. Then there are no worries. Also as my Dad told me when I started working, put 10% back because you never know when something is going to happen and you will need it. If you don't need it and you live to retirement you have a very nice nest egg to rely on. If you don't make it your kids will still be young enough in life to appreciate the help left for them.
