In mythological stories or in TV shows and movies, we often see people who are immortal. In the famous Chinese novel "Journey to the West," it is said that eating a piece of Tang Monk's flesh can make one immortal. However, we know that it's all fiction. In real life, there are indeed many people who live to be over one hundred years old. While our genetic makeup is something we cannot change, we can start taking care of ourselves through small details in our daily lives.
Doing these 6 things every day can help you live ten years longer
1. Engage in 1.5 hours of unconscious physical activity every day, instead of deliberate exercise.
The longest-lived people often live in areas with less convenient living conditions. However, it is these harsh living environments that reward them the most. They need to walk to the store, go home, and visit friends, giving them plenty of opportunities to keep physically active. People living in longevity areas often engage in labor-intensive activities. For example, the centenarian men in Sardinia, Italy, are still able to work in the fields.
2. Cook with or consume two teaspoons of sesame oil on an empty stomach every morning.
Sesame oil has the benefits of nourishing the stomach and intestines, nourishing yin and invigorating the body, aiding digestion, improving eyesight, protecting the liver, and prolonging life. It also has special therapeutic effects for elderly people with constipation, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Sesame oil is the only oil that can dissolve in water. It is one of the reasons why the centenarians in Bama, China, can stay healthy and live long. The local people call it "longevity oil."
3. Live with children who care for the elderly.
Centenarians often live in large families where the elderly are cared for by their children. This is not only to receive better care, but also because the elderly contribute to the smooth operation of the household. They plant vegetables, cook meals, and clean the house, among other things. This creates a powerful dual effect: their descendants benefit from the wisdom and hard work of the elders, while the centenarians gain motivation to stay physically active from the youthful energy of their descendants. They never sit idle at home.
4. Have clear life goals and maintain an optimistic attitude.
Most centenarians have a spiritual belief. Even those who do not follow a religion have a positive and optimistic mindset, which makes them less prone to depression and gives them stronger immunity and a lower incidence of heart disease. They often have strong and extensive social connections and support, as well as clear life goals.
5. Eat more beans and less meat.
For centenarians, meat is more like a condiment. They only eat it once or twice a week, in small quantities equivalent to the size of a deck of cards. They mainly consume plant-based foods and eat a lot of legumes and nuts. Centenarians usually have a heavier breakfast and a smaller dinner; their food intake follows an inverted pyramid distribution throughout the day.
6. Slow down the pace of life and take breaks.
Centenarians maintain a "slow" pace of life. They chew their food slowly and do things calmly, avoiding getting caught up in excessive busyness. They also ensure they have time for leisure and entertainment every day. Stress is the most harmful factor to human health. Chronic stress can lead to chronic inflammation and premature aging.
