Adding years to your life depends on many things – good genes are a start, but certain lifestyle habits can have quite a significant impact. Living longer is one thing, and living a cognitively strong life can be quite another. Health and Medical magazines have long touted the benefits of certain healthy behaviors for body and mind, and this theme is being expressed in an ever more diverse set of publications. I wanted to share an article you from this month’s National Geographic Magazine. In the article “Complex Miracles of Health and Simple Ways to Enhance It”, they profiled three global hotspots of longevity and found living proof of lifestyle’s powerful effect. Check it out at www.nationalgeographic.com/healthyliving. Also discussed are tips for enhancing your own longevity profile including “Seven Basics for a Better Brain”. These include:
- Laugher has been shown to reduce at least four of the neuroendocrine hormones associated with stress response.
- Children who eat more meals with their families feel happier about their lives and prospects for the future
- Breath deeply for five minutes, twice a day
- Drinking more water helps your brain stay focused, think faster, and remember more
- A short, brisk walk helps clear stress hormones from your bloodstream
- Fish rich in omega-3, like salmon, can improve brain function and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease
- Exercise sends oxygen to your brain – improving memory, reasoning skills and concentration
It’s all a reminder that we have the opportunity to lead long, healthy, active and cognitively strong lives.