What's the secret to a long and healthy life?

Over the last 200 years, the life expectancy of the average human being has doubled and research has shown that in each passing year, 3 months can be added to the worldwide estimation of 65 years for men and 70 for women.

Over the last 200 years, the life expectancy of the average human being has doubled and research has shown that in each passing year, 3 months can be added to the worldwide estimation of 65 years for men and 70 for women.

Longevity can have a marked difference in where a person lives; Japan currently leads the way with their women living on average to 84 years of age and the men 77. And yet, it is a universally known trend fact that people are desperately seeking to find the elixir of life. The masses’ dream to stop the ageing process and find the ability to live forever has created countless industries who supply every potion, herb and pill.

Science does not lag far behind either, and many studies are being conducted that inform the public of ways to keep fit, remain healthy, and enjoy life. In this regard, some surveys were also conducted with Centenarians whose advice and personal recommendations were as different and individual as they were. Their suggestions ranged from cold showers, yoga, keeping an active body and mind, and abstinence from alcohol.

It would appear that apart from maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, frequent fresh air and exercise, one of the most important aspects to living a long life is to remain stress free. Stress is known as the silent killer and can tragically lead to a heart attack.

That is certainly one common factor that all people living healthy share, and that is the ability to remain calm in any situation. Everybody at some time has a major event in their lives, often involving major upheavals or a crisis of some sort, but some people are able to stay relaxed and take things in their stride. This stress free style of living keeps the working components of the body in excellent shape.

Take the Italians for instance. They are the longest living Europeans. They believe in going home for lunch followed by a short sleep. Their relaxed attitude to life is proof to their longevity. If an opinion poll were taken, worldwide, it is doubtful if many people would be found who do not desire to live a long and healthy life. Effective stress management has been known to work wonders for people’s health. Maybe its time we tried it out also.