While speaking to her elder about his grandmother’s recent passing at 111-years old, this Hindu woman was surprised to hear about how strong and healthy the woman was until the very end of her life. The elder revealed to her his grandmother’s secrets to longevity that she had passed along to him. According to this centenarian, this is what you must do if you not only want to live a long life, but a quality one.
Hindu Grandmother’s Secrets to Longevity
It’s not very often that you hear about someone who has made it to 100 years old, let along more than a decade beyond it. This is what happened when Khyati Jain spoke to her elder about the recent passing of his grandmother. Writing for Medium, she explained what the man told her were his grandmother’s secrets to longevity, as told to him his entire life by the 111-year-old herself. According to her, it’s your daily routine that’s shortening your life.
Of course, she’s referring to the routine she saw not only her grandson falling into, but many of the people around her. She watched as he woke up long after sunrise and went to bed far later than the sun did. He worked and worked and worked, was eating junk food, lacking in exercise and movement, and seemed to be living without any real sense of purpose. The elder explained that his grandmother always got up with the sun and never woke up later than 6am. To her, waking up later than this hour was pure laziness. She practised yoga for 50 years and was always active. This, he said, helped her to avoid the frailness that often befalls people as they age. She found purpose in her life, first by teaching english to the children in her village so that they could live a better life, and later in many other ways. She grew and cooked her own food, never indulging in junk food. This food, she said, was to blame for the early deaths of heart attack and other avoidable diseases she saw in her village. She stayed social and continued to keep her mind and spirit engaged. Finally, while she agrees that working is important and often necessary, she encouraged her grandson to take downtime to himself to enjoy life. Enjoying life, she said, was key to living a long one.
With this advice on hand, the elder said he was doing his best to apply these principles into his own life in the city. He joined an early morning outdoor yoga class, so that five days per week he was spending time exercising and getting the early morning sun. He began buying more fresh foods and preparing meals himself instead of relying on packaged things. He took up playing chess, to disconnect from the busyness of his life, focus his mind, and enjoy himself. While he admits that his grandmother was lucky with excellent genetics, he pointed out that genetics, no matter how good, will only get you so far. According to his grandmother, we have a lot more control over the length and quality of our lives than we may think we do.
The Science Behind Longevity
Longevity is a complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors that determine how long a person lives. Centenarians, individuals who live to be 100 years old or older, often exhibit habits that contribute to their remarkable longevity. Though science has shown us that genetics do play a big role in our longevity, it has also shown us that we have more control over the length and quality of our lives than we might think.
Healthy Diet for Longevity
Maintaining a healthy diet is a fundamental habit that centenarians practice to extend their lifespan. By prioritizing a nutrient-dense and balanced diet, centenarians optimize their overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with aging. Their diet is typically rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support cellular health and combat oxidative stress. Furthermore, centenarians emphasize moderation in their eating habits, steering clear of excessive consumption of processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats. This dietary discipline minimizes the burden on their bodies, contributing to longevity by mitigating the onset and progression of age-related conditions.
Moreover, centenarians’ dietary choices often include plant-based foods, which have been linked to various health benefits. The inclusion of abundant plant-based sources in their diets, such as legumes, nuts, and seeds, not only supplies crucial nutrients but also offers protective effects against cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. By adhering to a healthy dietary pattern over a lifetime, centenarians pave the way for an extended, disease-free existence, underscoring the profound impact of nutrition on longevity.
Regular Physical Activity for Longevity
Regular physical activity is a cornerstone habit observed in centenarians that significantly contributes to their extended lifespan. Engaging in exercise promotes cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and bone density, ultimately enhancing overall fitness and resilience. This habit also supports mental well-being by reducing the risk of depression and anxiety, thereby fostering a positive outlook on life. Centenarians typically incorporate a well-rounded exercise routine that includes aerobic activities, strength training, and flexibility exercises, ensuring comprehensive physical fitness that endures into their later years.
Furthermore, the impact of exercise on cellular health cannot be overstated, as it helps mitigate age-related changes at the molecular level. Regular physical activity is associated with improved mitochondrial function, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation, all of which contribute to a longer and healthier life. By prioritizing physical activity, centenarians harness the profound benefits of exercise to maintain their independence, vitality, and well-being well beyond the expected lifespan.
Having a Sense of Purpose for Longevity
Centenarians often maintain a strong sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, which has been linked to their exceptional longevity. Having a clear purpose, whether it involves pursuing a passion, contributing to the community, or nurturing relationships, provides a profound psychological and emotional foundation that bolsters resilience and overall well-being. Studies have shown that individuals with a strong sense of purpose tend to have better mental health, reduced stress levels, and a lower risk of chronic diseases, ultimately impacting their longevity in a positive manner.
In addition, a sense of purpose can also influence lifestyle choices, such as promoting healthier behaviors and encouraging proactive healthcare decisions. Whether it involves volunteer work, creative pursuits, or providing support to others, maintaining a purpose-driven life has a transformative effect on one’s physical and mental health, contributing to an extended and fulfilling existence.
Staying Social for Longevity
Centenarians often maintain robust social connections, emphasizing the importance of staying socially engaged as a key component of their prolonged lifespan. Regular social interaction offers numerous health benefits, including reduced feelings of loneliness and an enhanced sense of belonging and emotional support. This social fabric contributes to better mental well-being and resilience, influencing longevity through the positive impact on psychological and emotional health.
Furthermore, maintaining strong social ties often encourages individuals to engage in healthy behaviors and activities, fostering a sense of accountability, motivation, and camaraderie. Whether through regular gatherings, community involvement, or maintaining close friendships, centenarians exemplify the significance of staying socially connected as a pillar of longevity.
Keeping Your Brain Sharp for Longevity
Centenarians often prioritize activities that keep their brain engaged and sharp, recognizing the profound impact of cognitive health on their extended lifespan. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, puzzles, or learning new skills, can contribute to the preservation of cognitive function and resilience against age-related cognitive decline. Studies have shown that a mentally active lifestyle is associated with a reduced risk of dementia and other cognitive impairments, potentially leading to a longer and healthier life.
Moreover, maintaining cognitive vitality often involves adopting a lifelong learning approach, nurturing intellectual curiosity and continuously seeking novel experiences and knowledge. By keeping their brains active and agile, centenarians foster a foundation for sustained mental acuity and overall life satisfaction, underscoring the importance of cognitive engagement in achieving exceptional longevity.
The Bottom Line
This hindu elder’s grandmother’s life was as inspiring as it was long. While we may not be able to control everything about us, our lifestyle is fully in our hands. Eat better, move more, find your purpose, stay social, slow down, and enjoy the ride. All of these things will help you live longer – whether you live in a small village in India or a big city in the United States. Now matter how old you are, it’s not too late to make some changes that will add some years, and some quality, to your life.
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