The Way to a Long and Healthy Life
My Secret, and it’s not what you might expect
My Secret, and it’s not what you might expect
In my quest to uncover the secrets behind a long and healthy life, I embarked on a journey to study individuals aged 75 and over who had maintained their vitality and well-being in their later years. I was determined to understand what set them apart from those who faced frailty and disability as they aged.
Is it merely luck, or is there a lifestyle component contributing to their longevity? I must emphasize that my research wasn’t conducted in a strictly scientific manner; it involved data collection, real-life stories, and an online questionnaire. Nevertheless, the insights I gained from this informal study shed light on a common thread among these elderly individuals, and it defied my initial expectations.
Not what I expected
Drawing upon my background in biochemistry and personal experience in fitness and training, I initially believed that I would arrive at a scientifically supported conclusion. I anticipated a complex interplay of genetics, specific foods, occupation, and other factors as the keys to a long and healthy life. The results, however, were entirely unexpected and rather simple, a far cry from what I had envisioned.
This research wasn’t conducted under stringent scientific protocols, with no rigorous controls or bias balances applied. It’s based on my observations from interacting with around 300 individuals, yet I believe there’s merit in these conclusions.
Unconventional findings
I had initially assumed that the path to a long and healthy life revolved around a combination of factors, including a healthy diet, abstaining from smoking and excessive drinking, regular exercise, routine medical check-ups, and low daily stress. However, my discoveries among these resilient older individuals didn’t conform to this conventional wisdom.
Some of them had smoked, consumed alcohol, held stressful jobs, engaged in minimal exercise, maintained what’s typically considered an unhealthy diet, and were the only members of their families to reach old age.
A surprising revelation
Amidst this mixed bag of characteristics, one common factor emerged — they all embraced moderation. Even those who indulged in the occasional cigarette or enjoyed a glass of wine did so moderately.
The most significant commonality, though, was their eating habits. A large majority of them either consumed small meals or had only two main meals each day, and not necessarily what would be called healthy eating.
Their dietary preferences varied greatly, from sweets and buns to high-fat or meat-based diets, and some favoured vegetarian or fish-based meals. The key, however, was moderation. This principle extended to other aspects of their lives as well; some exercised modestly, while others smoked in moderation or enjoyed a glass of wine with their meals.
A personal motto
This revelation resonated with my own and my immediate family’s dietary habits — not exemplary, but always guided by moderation. I had three sisters and one brother all living to their late 80s, with two in their 90s, all fit and well until their final few weeks. I always thought it was just “good genes”, but looking back, although they did not have good diets or great exercise regimes in their lifetimes, without fail they all were very moderate in all they did, especially in eating habits.
Thus, my personal motto became clear: “A little of what you fancy will do you no harm” with the emphasis on “little.”
So, all the advice over the years, like avoiding fat, sugar, salt, red meat, alcohol, stress etc etc etc, I have studiously ignored.
I believe overindulgence in anything is the devil to avoid. Too much exercise, vegetables, vitamins, and even water can be bad for your health, and a little chocolate, wine, fatty meat, jelly beans, and salty fries can all be enjoyable and harmless.
They ain’t done me any harm!
Take from this what you will, but it has certainly served me well, and perhaps it can do the same for you.
Remember -Moderation in everything! And take the experts with a pinch of salt.