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Secrets to Living Longer from 100-Year-Olds

Here are 5 common myths to stop believing now, so you can age well, giving a healthy lifestyle your full effort.

Old People Don’t Need to Socialize

It’s Impossible to Be Active

This definitely isn’t true, as old people can still get up off the couch and move around. “Activity” doesn’t have to mean a sprint, a cycling class, or a HIIT class, and it doesn’t need to torch calories or make you feel beat up afterwards to count. Older people do havehigher risk of osteoporosis andandjoint pain, which can make these workouts harder to do and can set them up for more fractures and injuries. However, older adults can still go for a brisk walk or jog, do yoga or pilates, which are lower intensity, or even dance, in a Zumba or water aerobics class. Water is especially easy on the joints! There are also plenty of people playing sports, doing high-intensity exercise and climbing mountains well into their golden years.

Older People Have Old Ways of Thinking

Disease is Inevitable Based on Genetics

While genetics do play a huge role in increasing risk of disease later in life, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed. With the right eating and exercise habits, you can help reduce your risk of disease as you age, even if your genes are not working in your favor. If you know that you’re at genetic risk for diabetes or heart disease, meet with your doctor to make sure you’re on a healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle plan to help prevent it and to live better through your final years.

Read more:15 Little Ways to Protect Your Heart

Your Memory Fades

Yes, as you get older, you might retain knowledge at a slower rate and have a hard time remembering things, such as where the keys are or your grandson’s birthday. However, it doesn’t mean you’re bound to get dementia or have a worrisome level of forgetfulness. If you eat well and exercise, you can reduce your risk of dementia. For instance, eating fatty fish, like salmon, has omega-3’s to lower inflammation and ward off the disease andblueberries also can lower risk of dementia. What’s more,working out can improve brain healthand cognitive thinking. Aim to eat “brain foods,“and make time for regular activity during the week.

Read more:MIND Diet: Limit These Foods to Keep Your Memory Sharp and Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s

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