These Simple Foods Can Help You Live to 100
Living to 100 is a real possibility these days. Research points to three simple foods that can help you live to 100. Thee good news is that these foods are inexpensive, too. It’s nice to see what staples like the items we’re about to get into can really be healthy for you. As a vegetarian, I’m happy that these foods don’t involve meat, either.
Simple Foods That Can Help You Live to 100
More people are living to 100 more than ever before. The experts at the U.S. Census Bureau note that the number of Americans ages 100 and older is expected to more than quadruple over the next 30 years. Looking at the specific numbers, the number of people age 100 and older in America is projected to go from an estimated 101,000 in 2024 to roughly 422,000 in 2054. Right now, people who are 100 or older make up only 0.03% of the overall U.S. population. That percentage is supposed to jump to 0.1% by 2054. Also, over the past 30 years, the U.S. centenarian population has almost tripled in numbers. So, if you want to live to 100, you have the best chance to do it now and going into the future.
Bestselling author Dan Buettner has worked his whole life to look at the communities of people who live to 100 and their lifestyles. In a new social media post, Buettner shared the one meal with simple foods that “the longest-lived family in the world” eats every single day. It’s a very simple meal, too, and one that you can eat.
The Melis family, from Sardinia, Italy, has a world record for longevity. They actually hold the Guinness World Record title for the highest combined age for nine living siblings. In the social post, Buettner said, “Nine siblings, collective age: 861 years. Oldest sibling is 109. Every day of their life, they had the exact same lunch.” He added that there are many factors that go into whether or not someone will live to be 100 years old, but diet is a factor. He champions the Blue Zones diet, which is heavy on natural whole foods and plants.
So, what meal does the Melis family, who holds the world record for longevity, hold? It’s simple foods, for lunch, consisting of three-bean minestrone soup (garbanzo, pinto and white bean), sourdough bread and a glass of red wine, about 2 to 3 ounces. Of course, wine isn’t food, but it’s part of their daily meal. That’s it. I’m going to stock up on sourdough bread tonight. I always opt for whole grain, but maybe sourdough is where it’s at.
People Who Live to 100 Have These Things in Common
1. They Have a Good Immune System
A new study published in the journal eBioMedicine looked at the DNA and lifestyle of seven centenarians to see what they had in common to live so long. The researchers found that people in the 100+ age group, not surprisingly, had a strong immune system that had allowed them to fight off a lot of illnesses. It helped them stay alive longer.
They Have a Good Immune System
2. How to Improve Your Immune System
If having a good immune system isn’t in your genres, according to the experts at Harvard, you can boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables. Another way is to exercise regularly and have a healthy weight. A few other ways include getting enough sleep, only drinking in moderation, not smoking, staying up to date with immunizations and avoiding stress.
Ways to Improve Your Immune System
3. They Have Chronic Illnesses Later in Life
According to a recent study published in the National Library of Medicine, “The age at which 20% of each of the centenarian groups experienced morbidity was significantly delayed by between 18 and 24 years.” That means these people got chronic illnesses much later than their peers. It helped them live longer.
They Have Chronic Illnesses Later in Life
4. They Exercise Regularly
This one shouldn’t be a surprise. According to a National Institutes of Health study, 2.5 hours of moderate activity a week could increase your life by 3.4 years. Studies also show that places around the world with the most centenarians are often in places with rural communities, where they are up and walking around instead of sitting at a desk. So, get out and move.
They Exercise Regularly
5. They Aren't Overweight
Keeping their weight in check is apparently another commonality with people who make it to 100 years old. In a Harvard-Salk Institute paper about longevity, they note, “At present, calorie restriction remains the most robust [i.e., evidence based] strategy for extending health and lifespan in most biological models tested.” So, eat, but do so mindfully. They also eat healthy, which goes along with longevity.
They Aren’t Overweight
6. They Stay Connected
As they say, people need people. According to a research study via PNAS.org, having real, quality social ties with friends and family has been associated with better health. Also, being socially isolated has been associated with an increased risk of inflammation in people of different ages. So, don’t be such a hermit.
They Stay Connected
7. They Have Faith
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, “While there is no definitive scientific evidence linking directly spirituality and longevity some research suggests that spiritual practices and beliefs may have indirect effects on physical and mental health, which could potentially contribute to longer life spans.” So, it’s not a sure thing. But, it appears having beliefs and spirituality is something that many people over 100 share. Pray up, my friend.
They Have Faith
8. Blood Commonalities
A recent study published in GeroScience shows that those 100 years of age and older have some similarities in their blood. According to research, they have lower, but not super low, levels of creatinine, glucose and uric acid. Talk to your doctor about ways to get your blood to those levels, and talk to you doctor about any changes you plan to make to your lifestyle and diet, of course.
Blood Commonalities
