What does
it take to become an active and vibrant 100 year old adult? Why is that
important? If you are curious about what it takes to have optimal health and
well-being, centenarians have much to teach you. Researchers are interviewing active
centenarians from diverse cultures around the world, and they are uncovering life-enhancing
patterns that others can follow. One in 26 baby boomers is expected to live to
100. So, get ready to live your best life right up until the end.
Dr. Mario
Martinez, author of The Mind-Body Code,
interviewed centenarians and describes them as resilient, creative, flexible
and able to persevere. They are not just passing time but using it
productively. They live their life with these four mindful commitments: 1)
Growing older passes time – aging engages it; 2) The present moment is never
too late to make commitments; 3) Illnesses are learned – the causes of health
are inherited; 4) Forgiveness is a liberating act of self-love. Dr. Martinez also
found that they live their lives with moderation: Some are plump, not
obese; some smoke and drink, not an addiction; and some are religious – not
fanatics. They make joyful choices to avoid excesses and find novelty and wisdom
in the challenges they encounter.
My
take-away after reviewing the literature about centenarians is this: These amazing human beings have learned to
overcome adversity and move forward with a positive attitude and passion for
living. If living fully until death is possible for them, it is an opportunity
for us. One centenarian in our community still goes out on Meals on Wheels
runs.
How can
their wisdom impact your life today? Here are a few tips:
·
Be aware that enjoying life into your 100s is a possibility – Visualize
it for yourself
·
Make healthy lifestyle choices – Avoid excesses with a sense of pleasure
not sacrifice
·
Embrace change – Move through it and stay focused on a positive
outcome
·
Live with purpose – Get involved in things that make you feel
relevant
·
Turn adversity into opportunity – Grow in love, power and wisdom
·
Forgive yourself and others – Surround yourself with loving
people who nurture you
·
Enjoy life – Feel passionate about loving and living “for better
or worse”
If we can
live these strategies, we also have a chance to follow in the footsteps of
active centenarians. Our bodies may slow down some, but our spirit is ageless. Together,
let’s walk this empowering pathway through time with a smile on our faces.
To live
well longer, make a commitment to live your “best life” and imagine yourself happily
celebrating your 100th birthday.
For more inspirational wellness information, please sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.integrativewellnessexpert.com.