How to Live Longer
Director, writer, and actor, Rob Reiner is the narrator in the new documentary “If You’re Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast,” which aired on HBO throughout June of this year. The film, which includes a bevy of the famous and not-so-famous in their 90’s and beyond, aims to explore why some thrive and others struggle in their later years. It addresses the question we’re all asking: how to live longer?
One of the common factors in how to live longer is engagement. Staying healthy and fit helps you stay engaged and in recent media, I have seen many stories of people in their 80’s and beyond exercise competitively.
I noticed that deficits that affect these positive agers don’t cause them to give up – they only find other ways to move and stay engaged. One person, a lap swimmer, could no longer do that activity and moved to water aerobics. Another, a long distance runner, reduced the number of miles and moved from a fast pace to speed walking.
One person commented that it is important to have some type of activity on your calendar every day. That could just be a household activity, volunteering at the local homeless shelter, or teaching someone to read or learn English. Staying active is an important part of how to live longer.
However, too many items on a calendar can be the cause of anxiety – we are all different on the amount of stimulation and activity we can tolerate. I can remember my grandmother saying, “one appointment” a day is all she had the energy for. She was very engaged with her family and neighbors and lived successfully alone into her 80’s (she lost her legs in an accident at 19 and had to put on her prosthesis every morning)!
I remember having a client in her mid-80’s who had outlived her children, spouse, and sister and was grateful for every day of her life. Even though she suffered great losses, she was extremely positive and found the good in all people and in every day. She forever will be an example of aging with grace and dignity.
There are so many areas that need an advocate in our community and in our world. Taking a stand to make life better for others could at the same time be enriching your life and your health.
So want to know how to live longer/ Stay well – eat fresh foods, move your body every day and strive for your best. Stay engaged in ways that keep your mind active and enrich your life and those in our world.
Life is good… make yours the best it can be.