For longevity, daily habits may be more important than genes. The latest article in the Journal of the American Association of retired persons published the “top six longevity habits” summarized by many experts in the United States.
1. Contact more animals
Pets provide friendship and warmth to the elderly, so that the elderly can have a target to talk about, so as to release pressure. People who have more contact with pets can have stable blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Dr. Alan Baker, director of the human animal Relations Research Center at Purdue University, said that apart from cats and dogs, setting up an aquarium in your home and raising a parrot are all helpful. If you don’t want to keep pets at home, go to the zoo or aquarium to contact more small animals, volunteer in the animal shelter, or often walk the neighbor’s dog, it will have the same effect.
2. I must listen to music every day
Dr. Peter ganata, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California, Davis, said that listening to music can help alleviate anxiety, help sleep, enhance memory, promote wound healing, reduce the level of cortisol, a stress hormone related to stress, and enhance immunity. For the elderly, listening to music every day can also lower blood pressure, relieve arthritis pain, accelerate recovery after stroke, and even inhibit the development of cognitive impairment. Professor Kumar of the University of Miami School of medicine in the United States said that music can arouse positive emotions and attitudes, especially in the early morning. Choosing fast-paced and pleasant music can help you maintain a good mood throughout the day.
3. I often laugh loudly
Dr. Michael Miller, a cardiologist at the University of Maryland School of medicine, said that laughter can promote changes in the human body and improve the functions of the immune system and endocrine system. Therefore, Dr. Miller’s prescription for longevity is to find something that makes you happy, laugh loudly, and pass this happiness on to others.
4. Return to nature on weekends
Dr. Stephen Kellett, a social ecologist at Yale University, said that going outdoors and returning to nature can help improve mood and self-confidence. A study by the University of Essex found that people who regularly contact nature are less angry, depressed and nervous. Low intensity aerobic exercise such as outdoor walking and cycling can reduce the risk of heart disease. Fast walking, fishing, boating and planting flowers and vegetables are all good outdoor sports. There is no need to worry that there are no mountains or oceans near your residence. It is also effective to go to local parks, botanical gardens and other “green areas” on weekends.
5. I spend 2 hours a week helping others
The research found that compared with the elderly who never helped others, the elderly who often helped friends, relatives or neighbors felt happier and healthier. Dr. Stephen post, a professor of preventive medicine in the United States, said that elderly people over 70 years old can get a variety of health benefits by participating in voluntary activities for 100 hours a year (only 2 hours a week), including alleviating depression, reducing weight, reducing insomnia and enhancing immunity.
6. Try practicing Taiji
The latest research by Dr. Wang Chenchen, a rheumatology expert at Tufts University Medical Center in the United States, found that Taijiquan, with gentle movements and low impact, is suitable for almost everyone, especially the elderly. Often practicing Taijiquan can alleviate anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, reduce hypertension and relieve chronic pain such as fibromyalgia.
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