100+

Found this in my documents folder and thought I'd share. I don't know if these things are causal or just symptomatic (meaning just because people who live to 100 do these things, doesn't necessarily mean you'll live longer if you do them.) but it couldn't hurt.

I'm not sure where I got this from but I think it was an Ayurveda article from the raj.

The nine common factors of living to over a hundred from "The Blue Zones"

1. Stop Eating......when you're 80 percent full. Using smaller, 10-inch plates can help with this habit, as can serving meals in discrete portions instead of buffet-style.



2. Dine on Plants. Eat more veggies, and less meat and processed foods. A balance of healthful fats (such as those found in nuts); a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants; whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, etc.); quality protein (found in beans and lentils); and high-nutrient foods will leave you with stable energy levels and contribute to healthy body weight. Avoid buying junk food, or put it on hard-to-reach shelves, and cook your own meals whenever possible to avoid fast foods.

3. Keep Moving. Find ways to move naturally, such as walking, gardening, using fewer labor-saving devices. Get a pedometer to keep track of your activity. Many physicians recommend a minimum of 10,000 steps a day. And of course, as any yogi knows, nothing keeps you young like a daily dose of spine-twisting yoga asanas.



4. Slow Down. Balance work and rest, take vacations regularly, don’t overschedule yourself. In other words, stress less.

5. Drink Red Wine. People in most Blue Zone communities drank red wine consistently, but in moderation. The antioxidants in wine are powerful disease fighters; if you don’t want to drink wine, organic grape juice or other fresh juices high in antioxidants are a good substitute.

6. Find Purpose. And pursue it with passion. Having a purpose of life keeps you engaged, vital, and young at heart. Your body will reflect these qualities too.



7. Join a group. Create a healthy social network. People with strong social support groups are known to live longer and they navigate life’s ups and downs better.



8. Feed your soul. Engage in spiritual activities, which bring deeper meaning to your life. This doesn’t necessarily mean religious activities, even a walk in nature can be a spiritual activity, as long as it helps broaden your perspective and connect you with the wider cosmos we are a part of.



9. Love your tribe. Make family and community a high priority.