What are the characteristics of people who live long and healthy lives?

Even if you live a long life, the longer you suffer from illness, the less meaningful it becomes. These days, "healthy life expectancy" is more important. This refers to the period of time spent physically and mentally healthy and active. With the number of people enjoying healthy life expectancy past their mid-90s increasing significantly, interest in their lifestyle habits is growing.

 

optimistic personality … Naturally manage stress

One of the most striking characteristics of people who enjoy a healthy lifespan is their optimistic personality. They face everyday challenges with optimism, reducing stress, a risk factor for disease. According to data from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while moderate stress can improve concentration, chronic stress can deplete mental and physical resources, leading to "exhaustion." This increases the risk of various diseases, including depression, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Among these, depression is the greatest risk factor for elderly health. Repeated exposure to stress disrupts the brain's neuroimmune response, potentially damaging brain cells. Deficiency in neurotransmitters (such as serotonin), which transmit signals between brain cells, is closely linked to depression. As depression worsens, it can increase the risk of dementia. Even if you live a long life, dementia can nullify the meaning of longevity.

 

An optimistic personality is innate … You can change it as you live .

 

An optimistic disposition is often determined by genetics and childhood environment, essentially a longevity gene. However, the ability to view life with optimism can be cultivated later in life. However, it's important to adjust your expectations to be realistic. Setting unrealistic goals and striving for them only increases stress and depression. You need someone you can openly discuss your feelings with, and you need to develop your own stress-relieving methods, such as listening to music or getting a good night's sleep.

 

News is everyday … Eat less and move more diligently

 

As we age, even if we have a strong appetite, we can't eat much. Overeating leads to constant discomfort throughout the day. This is because aging causes a decline in digestive fluids and functions, such as digestive juices and pancreatic juice. In this situation, if we can't control our appetite and overeat frequently, it can lead to health problems. People with healthy life expectancies reject comfort. Lying down for long periods of time actually causes discomfort, so they engage in physical activities like housework. The reason why grandmothers who haven't exercised their entire lives live so long is because they constantly move their bodies to burn calories and utilize their bodily functions.

 

Stay curious …90 The reason why three old people write diaries ?

 

Some elderly people keep diaries, memorize mountain names, and draw to prevent dementia. Medically, these practices are proven to help prevent dementia. Writing down each day's events is a significant brain activity. Various creative activities, such as drawing, contribute to brain activation in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. Maintaining a daily curiosity can help slow brain aging. Dementia is the greatest enemy of a healthy lifespan. Constantly stimulating the brain, such as learning a foreign language, is crucial.

Some say longevity is genetic. While that's partially true, these days, the proportion of acquired effort is greater. Dementia can also be prevented through acquired effort. A healthy brain and body can alleviate the suffering of my family. The greatest gift I can give my children as we age is my own health.

 

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It seems like keeping a diary or taking notes is a good habit for preventing dementia.

Living everyday life optimistically

Ability to manage stress

 

This is an ability I would like to have too.