Healthy at 100

This article was provided by Dr. Joel Davis DC of Wylie Wellness Chiropractic Center in Wylie, TX. If you’d like to learn more please visit https://www.wyliewellness.net/

Living to the ripe old age of 100 doesn’t seem to have the same appeal as it used to.  Today our mental picture involves lots of tubes, meds, and not knowing who your spouse is anymore. But what if you could paint a different picture for your future? Think of your later years including joyful prosperity, sharp mental acuity, and independence. Does that sound more appealing? Generations of research and studies have shed light on what the absolute most important factors are in achieving a long healthy life. The life most people only hope for but are not actually able to achieve. Only 20% of lifespan is determined by genetics. That is great news! You can choose your own ending so choose wisely!

From the mountains of Italy to the islands of Japan, certain people groups are living with fantastic longevity and vitality well over 100 years old. So, now it begs the question, “If you continue in your current trends, what do you see for yourself 20, 30, or 40 years from now?” Just getting 1% better each day for 1 month will yield incredible results years from now. Let’s discover together what small changes you can make in the next month or so (even without joining some indigenous clan) that can catapult you toward snow skiing with your grandkids and cruising the open seas in your swimsuit!

1. Vision and Purpose. Before you can go somewhere, know first where you want to go. Create a mental picture of your life at 80 years old, and turn that image into specific, written goals. Make sure you can see those goals daily. Coinciding with your vision is what I call your “Big Why.” Why do you do what you do? What is the mission statement of your life? Write it down! A higher purpose for living that you can constantly strive toward keeps your spirit youthful. When the good you have yet to accomplish lies ahead, you can outlive all others around you.
2. Daily De-Stressor. It’s no secret that in our culture and society that the stresses of life are getting the best of us. But the folks living to 100 are not immune to daily stress. They have each found unique and healthy ways to put it aside each day. You can do this too! It just takes some creativity and making it a priority. I’ve found that when it comes down to it, people don’t do or buy the things they need, they do or buy the things they want. Find at least 15 minutes each day to read or listen to something uplifting. Maybe for you it can be a walk around the neighborhood after work, or a meet up (face-to-face, not Facebook) with your best friends for a laugh.
3. Natural Motion. The healthiest people out there are not necessarily the workout addicts! It’s those that create natural activity in their daily lives. Fitness level, not body fat %, is a strong predictor for healthy longevity. Adapt the way you work, and get back to your hobbies! Restore that old car you have been holding on to. Get your hands dirty out in the vegetable garden. Walk up and down the stairs instead of the escalator. Remember this: Make Motion Mandatory!
4. Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3s). More than any other supplement, Omegas will improve your cognitive function and memory, prevent dementia, reduce inflammation, and support your nervous system. While we need both Omega 3 and 6, our western diets are very low in Omega 3s. This is why we need to both supplement with it, as well as eat foods with good fats. Include in your diet simple and delicious natural foods such as avocados, wild caught salmon, pasture-raised beef, coconut oil, raw nuts and seeds.
5. Continued Learning. Reading to the mind is like exercising to the body! Renew your mind and challenge your brain with new concepts. Don’t let your noodle be turned to mush with hours and hours of TV! Instead, listen to the game on the radio. This will put your brain to work imagining the action and creating amazing new neurological fireworks. Go down to your local art gallery and take a watercolor class or pick up that guitar in your closet again. I’m sure you’ll enjoy making new friends along the way! Speaking of that. Check out our last one.
6. Supporting Cast. Are the people you spend the most time around building you up? Actions, habits, and attitudes are contagious. Surround yourself with the type of people that you want to be become like! Positive, joyful, energetic. From your local Chamber of Commerce, to city sponsored events, Rotary and civic organizations, to your network of churches, our communities are rich in opportunities to do life with others.

Remember to encourage your friends to make these changes as well. Life just isn’t as much fun if your loved ones are not around to enjoy it with you. Get 1% better today. I hope to meet you along the way!

Dr. Joel Davis

Dr. Davis can be reached at jdavis3434@gmail.com

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