°The Fountain Of Youth Top 5 Things Anyone Can Do To Live Longer°

#5 Get More Sleep

Human beings naturally spend one third of their lives asleep. This would not be the case if sleep were not vital for our health. In recent years, scientists have learned more about the benefits of sleep and the consequences of not sleeping enough.

Sleep plays an important role in regulating a variety of hormones in our bodies. When we don´t get enough sleep, these hormones become imbalanced. For example, sleep deprivation increases circulating levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which promotes fat storage in the midsection. At the same time, sleep deprivation reduces the availability of leptin, a hormone that controls hunger. As a result, sleep deprivation increases appetite and eating, further promoting weight gain. A century ago, the average adult got nine hours of sleep each night. Today the average person sleeps just seven hours

#4 Drink More Water

It is important to drink eight glasses of water each day. This goal can be difficult for seniors to achieve because as we age, our thirst centres become slower to respond to the needs of the body. Seniors might not feel the urge to drink, even if their body is dehydrated. To remedy this, add an extra glass of water to your day, and SLOWLY (over a period of weeks) work up to at least three extra glasses of water per day.

If drinking water is difficult for you, try using a straw to reduce any gas or bloating that you might experience. You might try adding fresh lemon pieces to your water to improve the taste.

#3 Use Dont Abuse Calories

As we get older, our appetites tend to decrease. A diet based on low fat and high quality foods can help to reverse the effects of aging and to reduce high blood pressure. Try to include many fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet. Avoid processed and packaged foods as they contain more fat, more salt and less potassium than our bodies need.

#2 Exercise Your Body

Those who exercise more, live longer. A thorough exercise program includes the following:

Aerobic activity. A study of 19,000 participants showed that death rates fell in direct proportion to the number of calories that the participants burned each week. Aerobic physical fitness can be as easy as walking for 30 minutes, 4 times per week. Weight-bearing exercise such as walking, dancing, and gentle aerobics help to strengthen bones and to improve cardiovascular fitness.

Stretching. Stretching helps to maintain limber joints and muscles. One relatively easy way to improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength is T’ai Chi. T’ai Chi helps to improve strength, muscle tone, range of motion, flexibility, balance and coordination. In clinical trials, it has been shown to help reduce blood pressure and heart rate. T’ai Chi is for people of all ages and introductory classes are usually offered at community and recreation centres.

Muscle Strength. Your local gym is not just a place for body builders. A study done asked 10 chronically ill nursing home residents to lift weights 3 times a week over a 2-month period. The results were surprising: the participants’ average walking speed nearly tripled and their balance improved by half. A weight lifting regime does not have to be complicated. A qualified weight lifting instructor could design a fitness regime to suit people of any age or activity level.

#1 Exercise Your Brain

Mental activity produces lasting changes in the brain.It creates more synapses or connections, which can help make the brain more resilient to inner stress. Activities such as crossword puzzles, bridge, chess and other card games can help to sharpen mental acuity.

Including these five steps into your daily lives will not just help you live longer but you will feel great!