Secrets of Longevity: Blue Zones Quest
February 14, 2008
Dan Buettner refers to them as Blue Zones — geographical locations people reside that appear to give them an advantage when it comes to living longer, active, healthier lives. Buettner has been traveling the globe in search of these locations in order to learn the secrets of longevity from the residents who live there. In his quest thus far, the writer and avid adventurer has traveled to Costa Rica, Sardinia,Okinawa and Loma Linda, California.
In profiling the residents, Buettner states he has discovered both unique and common characteristics of people who not only live much longer than most of us, but are defying the stereotype of what it means to age. They are healthy and active well into their 80s, 90s, and beyond.
What are the secrets to longevity? Buettner shares his observations at Blue Zones:
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Living to 100: More than luck and genes
February 13, 2008
Living to 100 is not so much a matter of luck, or genetics, or lack of chronic illness, as it is lifestyle. Indeed, nearly one-third of the centenarians interviewed in a study conducted by Boston University researchers had been diagnosed with high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes years earlier. For those who suffer chronic illness, doctors who did not take an ageist attitude that treating older patients does not offer much benefit, had patients who went on to live to 100 years of age.
While a certain amount of luck and good genetics factor into the longevity equation, healthy lifestyle habits make quite a difference in living to 100. Those who do not smoke, managed a healthy weight, and stayed physically active have greater odds of remaining agile in mind and body to 100 and beyond. According to the researchers, survival decreased with each risk factor.
In the US, there are more than 55,000 centenarians. Americans who are 85 and older are this country’s fastest growing group of older adults.
Wonder how long you might live? Based on medical research and scientific data, The Living to 100 Life Expectancy Calculator asks 40 questions related to your health and family to estimate how long you can expect to live at www.livingto100.com.
Happiness: Where the happiest people live
January 13, 2008
What makes people happy? Good health, financial security and education — in that order. Where do the happiest people in the world live? Denmark.
Surprised Denmark ranks as the happiest place on earth?
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Flat Belly Diet: MUFA foods trim waist without exercise
January 11, 2008
According to Flat Belly Diet authors Prevention editor in chief Liz Vaccariello and nutrition director Cynthia Sass, eating foods high in monounsaturated fat (MUFA) will melt away inches from your waistline without the need to break out in a sweat from exercise.
For followers of the Flat Belly Diet, claims include:
- You can lose up to 15 pounds in one month.
- You can eat and never feel hungry.
- Tackle and overcome emotional eating.
- Never do stomach crunchs for flat abs.
And, eating MUFA foods will trim your waist and flatten your belly, once and for all.
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Living to 100: Eat less drink red wine but no sex?
November 11, 2007
102 year old Esther MacKay attributes her longevity to three lifestyle rules — no smoking, no drinking and no sex. MacKay is featured in the CBS News Sunday Morning segment Could We Live Forever? Or Even Come Close?
Centenarians are often asked the secret to living to 100 and beyond. The answers vary between the complete abstinence of habits such as smoking and drinking to daily drinking and smoking. Think George Burns. For those fortunate to live to 100 and beyond, popular thought has been it is all in the genes. Genes must play a role but it might not be the only factor determining the last birthday we celebrate.
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Alzheimer’s: potential new blood test
October 14, 2007
When we were young, our parents were the definition of knowledge and know how, competent and capable as they navigated daily life. We relied on their guidance, we were safe and secure in their care. Now our parents are becoming elderly, and we are beginning to take care of them in ways that are both subtle and obvious.
And sometimes we begin to notice changes in their personality or the ability to recall with accuracy the events of the day or people they have known for decades. While we would like to attribute these changes to the elderly aging process, in the back of our minds we worry — could it be the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Up until now, there has not been a definitive test to determine if someone is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the early symptoms that can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s can actually be the result of other causes, including the simple fact of getting older.
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Power of sleep good for memory
October 10, 2007
Believing as I do in the restorative powers of sleep for the mind and body, I am an advocate of both the power nap and a good night’s rest. Newly-released research on sleep and memory continues to support my opinion.
Sleep offers protective benefit in maintaining and strengthening memory.
At the American Academy of Neurology’s 59th Annual Meeting in Boston, researchers presented a study conducted to discern if sleep affected memory recall.
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Alzheimer’s Prevention: Fruit and vegetable juice
October 10, 2007
Remember being told that an apple a day keeps the doctor away?
Drinking juice every other day appears to keep Alzheimer’s away, according to recent research. As part of the Ni-Hon-Sea Project, which followed the progress of older Japanese populations living in Japan, Hawaii and Seattle, Washington, the Kame Project focused on the fruit and vegetable consumption of study participants in the Seattle, Washington area. They found those who consumed fruit and vegetable juices three or more days a week were 76 percent less likely to show signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Modern day stress health concerns
October 10, 2007
The adverse side effects of a frenzied pace and pressured 21st century lifestyle are our top health concerns, according to researchers who compiled data based on answers given in determining what people are worried about when it comes to health.
The way we live, not what we are doing in the form of habits such as smoking and drinking, are causing us the most anxiety. We don’t think we are getting enough exercise or sleep in what has become a lifestyle that never seems to slow down or shut down. Our society is open for business 24 hours a day, seven days a week — and this fact is spilling over into the pace of individual life.
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Depression: Fight depression by getting dirty
October 10, 2007
You can take a pill or putter among the petunias to combat depression, according to Bristol University and University College London researchers.
Both appear to have similar effects in regulating and increasing serotonin.
Soil harbors a friendly bacteria that promotes increased activity of serotonin in the brain.
In addition, researchers believe the friendly bacteria in soil supports the immune system, and could explain why those with weakened immune systems are more prone to depression.
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