Good Genes and Healthy Living Extend Life Beyond 100

If you are lucky you have good genes for living a long life, If not you’ll need to try healthy living if you want to live to be 100 years old.

Scientists now have even more proof that good genes and healthy living extend life beyond 100 years. A recent study performed in New England offered some insight into the lifestyles of centenarians and provided data that supports the theory of good genes and healthy living.

Howard LeWine M.D., Chief Medical Editor of Internet Publishing summarized the study in an article appearing about a year ago.

Good Genes and Healthy Living Extend Life Beyond 100

What is it that lets some people live to age 100 and beyond? A new study from the ongoing New England Centenarian Study suggests that protective genes may make a big contribution.

In what the researchers describe as the first study of its kind, they analyzed and deciphered the entire genetic codes of a man and a woman who lived past the age of 114. The two so-called supercentenarians had:

• DNA that appeared to be very similar to people who did not have long lives
• about the same number of gene variants linked toincreased disease risk as seen in people from the general population whose genomes have been sequenced
• more than 50 possible longevity-associated variants in genes, some of which were unexpected and had not been seen before.

There’s no need to have your DNA sequenced yet to determine what genes you carry. It won’t change what you need to do now. You have the power to change many things that influence your health and how long you live. Here are 10 steps that will help you have the longest, healthiest life possible:

1. Don’t smoke.
2. Be physically active every day.
3. Eat a healthy diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, vegetables, and fruits. Reduce or avoid unhealthy saturated fats and trans fats. Instead, use healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
4. Be sure to get enough vitamin D and calcium.
5. Maintain a healthy weight and body shape.
6. Challenge your mind.
7. Build a strong social network.
8. Protect your sight, hearing and general health by following preventive care guidelines.
9. Floss, brush, and see a dentist regularly. Poor oral health may have many effects. It can lead to poor nutrition, pain and possibly even a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
10. Discuss with your doctor whether you need any medicine to help you stay healthy. These might include medicines to control high blood pressure, treat osteoporosis or lower cholesterol, for example.

See More on This Article at Harvard Health Publications

If good genes and healthy living extend life beyond 100, then I believe that continuing to work beyond the age of 65 sets the backdrop for maintaining many of these healthy suggestions above. If you work you are more likely to be challenging your mind, staying active and caring for your personal needs like showering and personal hygiene. If you work you probably interact with people more which provides opportunities for others to check in with you and make sure you are okay.

Would you want to live beyond 100 if you could remain healthy and alert?

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