Were you aware that a Galapagos turtle has a lifespan of nearly 200 years old? It can live that long because a long life is genetically programmed into the species. In one way there’s a similarity between us and those tortoises. Even though it’s unlikely that human beings will live to be that old in the near future, some researchers think we’re actually genetically engineered to last approximately 100 years. In fact, most experts place our top life expectancy at between 115 and 120 years. And some scientists believe that there will eventually be no limit to the human lifespan.
But what’s the point of pushing those boundaries — or even reaching age 85 or 90 — if you feel as old as a tortoise? The great news is that there is no reason to be hampered by the aging process when it’s actually possible to grow old gracefully. What’s the best way to find your personal Fountain of Youth? It’s actually quite simple: Consume less fat and plenty of fruits and vegetables, and get regular exercise.
Your brain is affected by what you eat, so it’s important to get lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and other healthy food recipes. Eating at least five servings of these healthful foods each day will give you nutrients that boost your immunity, guard against free radicals and protect you from disease. It’s best to get these nutrients from a balanced diet, naturally, but we all have days when we feel we can’t drink one more glass of orange juice or eat another serving of broccoli. Rather than compromise your health, you can take what some people might think of as “vitamins for old people” but are really just supplements formulated to provide the essentials for people as they age. A multivitamin with folic acid, as an example, can reduce heart disease risk by 45 percent. Calcium supplements (up to 1200 mg per day) protect against osteoporosis, a leading cause of hip fractures in older adults. And research has shown that people who take supplements that contain vitamins C and E and lutein (a carotenoid) reduce by 50-70 percent the risk of developing cataracts, an age-related eye disease.
You might also want to consider an additional supplement, Ginkgo biloba, which scientific evidence suggests will improve brain function. Ginkgo biloba is especially effective at helping with common aging complaints, such as memory loss, dizziness, depression, headaches, and even some symptoms associated with early Alzheimer’s disease. Also, drinking oolong detox tea, in addition to other types of tea, can provide antioxidants that will keep you generally healthy and might even boost mental acuity.
If you think aging has to mean a loss of in mental and physical abilities, remember this simple guideline for maintaining both your body and brainpower: Use it or lose it. Limited or no physical activity can cause muscles and joints to tighten up with advancing age. Regular physical activity, on the other hand, assists with maintaining flexibility and balance, and increases muscle tone and endurance. You don’t have to overdo the exercise. You just need to get some form of regular physical activity; like taking a walk four or five times a week. Exercise not only reduces your risk of certain diseases (e.g., Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis) and keeps your body agile, it provides oxygen to the brain, which helps with mental flexibility.
It’s also important to keep your mind active. Playing strategy games like chess or backgammon, doing crossword puzzles, or playing along with quiz shows on TV can all help. Socializing with friends is another good way to make sure your brain stays stimulated. Interacting with people reduces stress, prevents isolation and keeps you from feeling depressed. Having a support system may also help you face challenges and losses you may experience with aging, and that can help you maintain a positive attitude.
All this advice may not help you to live as old as a Galapagos tortoise, but it can certainly help you get more life out of your years. Watch what you eat, get plenty of physical activity, connect with people, use your brain, and remember what musician James Taylor sings: “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.”
