Longevity (noun) lon·gev·i·ty \län-ˈje-və-tē, lȯn-\ Definition: 1. a long duration of individual life; 2. length of life; 3. long continuance: permanence, durability.

Do you want to live forever? For me, living a long life is meaningless without quality of life. In her book entitled, “50 Secrets of the World’s Longest Living People”, author Sally Bears explores five places in the world with the greatest number of centenarians, people living over 100 years, to find the common denominators of longevity plus quality of life. Not only are these the world’s oldest living people, most also report being happy, healthy, productive and valued–until the day they die.

The five destinations of the world’s longest living people include Okinawa, a coral island in the East China Sea; Symi, an island in Greece; Campodimele, a village in southern Italy; Hunza, a valley in northwest Pakistan and Bama, a county in Southern China. Environmentally, these locations share unpolluted surroundings which include pure drinking water, unpolluted soil and fresh air. While this comes as no surprise, it underscores our collective priority to invest in the care of Mother Earth.

Bottom line, the recurring patterns of the longest living humans are profoundly eye-opening. These common lifestyle habits cover a spectrum of practical ways we can all extend both our longevity and quality of life. Here are just some of the common traits of these centenarians:

Drink lots of green tea – like 4 cups/day

Get daily exercise – sweat everyday

Drink lots of mineral water

Eat tons of whole foods plants and nuts – like 90% organic vegetables

Limit consumption of sweet fruits – opt for berries, apricot and apricot kernels

Limit consumption of fish and meat – wild, cold-water fish and grain or grass-fed meat

Only eat until you’re 80% full

Chew your food for a long time

Practice moderation in alcohol consumption – red wine and Saki are best

Play mind games

Practice meditation

Enjoy music and humming

Practice deep breathing, reduce stress

Volunteer time to help others

Consume fermented foods like miso, sauerkraut

Consume seaweed, sprouts and nuts

Limit intake of dairy

Go light with oils; do consume olive oil

Sleep for 8-9 hours each night

Practice laughing each day

And the fascinating list goes on. So, if you’re like me and seek a longer and happier life, I highly recommend that you read 50 Secrets. If you’re short on time, do check out this twenty-minute audio summary of the book by Tai Lopez. Good stuff.

Our generation is uniquely well positioned to challenge the dreaded myths of aging. There are many ways to positively change our lifestyle habit for a longer and happier life. Let us maximize whatever time remains and live to experience our best days that lie ahead. Growing old is a beautiful thing.

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