How to Live to 100, Starting Today

As posted on Yahoo by Shape – Mon, 6 Feb, 2012 11:10 AM EST

Is living to 100 a goal of yours? Even if it's not, these expert tips on living a longer, healthier, and happier life will come in handy.

1. Learn from the pros: A few years back, I did research on centenarians, after deciding that I wanted to live to be over 100 years old (this decision was followed by the decision to live the life I want to live a few years prior to that-so I figured I'd better check out what others are doing). This is what I found: Think more good thoughts, drink enough water regularly, breathe deeply daily, walk regularly, and have friendships.

2. Be in good spirits: The most essential live-to-100 tip, to me, is recognize that you create your perceptions from the inside out. A person's mood in the moment creates his or her experience; a person's experience does not create his or her mood. Those who understand this live a smooth and stress-free life. They do not play victim to external circumstances.

3. Take anxiety and stress seriously: Don't just tolerate feeling anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed all the time-find a solution. It's important that you take anxiety (and panic attacks) seriously, if for no other reason than the stress they place on the heart. Recent research found that both women under 50 years of age and postmenopausal women who suffer anxiety and panic attacks may have an increased risk of heart disease.

4. Drink water: Start your day with 16 to 32 ounces of water. Fill your tank-your body-with water. If you think you're hungry, drink water. We often confuse hunger for thirst. When you learn to recognize your true thirst 
instinctively, you will begin simultaneously and automatically to reduce your food intake. Water is so beneficial, and if you reach for that instead of any other drink in your lifetime, it will definitely help get
 you to 100!

5. Stand up straight: People's bones break down over time with bad posture. Exercises like occasionally running in your bare feet and simple resistance training you can do at your desk or at home are incredibly helpful in preserving posture. For example, relieve chest tightness with self myo-fascial release (use a massage ball or foam roll) and stretching, while strengthening the upper-back muscles. My favorite exercise for hunchback posture is upper-back foam rolling, which anyone can do on the living room floor.


Great tips!  Anything else you find helpful?  Share your thoughts.