Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Centenarian is a term for people who live to be 100 years old or more. These people are often referred to as the longevity group.
The UN estimates that the number of centenarians worldwide will be 573,000 in 2021.
For many years, experts have conducted research to find out the secret of long life of centenarians. One of the most famous research results was conducted by Dan Buettner, a researcher specializing in longevity.
He has conducted studies in the Blue Zone, a place where many of the residents are 100 years old or more. After conducting interviews with 263 people aged 100 years or more, there were nine secrets to happiness that were used as 'tricks' for longevity. Anything? Here's the review.
1. Have a purpose in life
A study revealed that knowing your purpose in life can add up to seven years to your life.
Japanese society is known for holding the concept of “ikigai” or “life goals”, while the Nicoyan society in Costa Rica holds the concept of “plan de vida” which has almost the same philosophy as ikigai.
According to Buettner, one of the secrets of longevity for Blue Zone people is to have other goals in life besides work.
2. Hobby of gardening
Another secret to living a long life in the Blue Zone community is not forcing yourself to do strenuous exercise, run marathons or join the gym. Instead, they choose to live in environments that involve lots of movement.
“They tend to garden and do their own house and yard work. Apart from that, they always start their journey to work, a friend's house or place of worship feeling happy,” wrote Buettner's report.
3. Have a stress-relieving routine
The Blue Zone community has a routine to reduce stress, namely praying and resting. Usually, Okinawan people take time to pray and remember their ancestors.
Meanwhile, Adventists choose to pray when stressed, the people of Ikaria take time to take a nap, and the people of Sardinia do activities that are considered to make them happy.
4. Eat only until you are 80% full
Buettner said that Japanese society applies the discipline of stopping eating when the stomach feels about 80 percent full. Meanwhile, people in other Blue Zone areas tend to eat snacks in the afternoon or early evening.
5. Consume nuts
In general, people in the Blue Zone tend to increase the portion of plant foods in their diet, especially legumes, such as fava beans, black beans, soybeans and lentils.
“On average, they only consume meat five times a month, and that's only 300 to 400 grams per serving,” said Buettner.
6. Drink Wine
One of the secrets to long life in the Blue Zone is to consume alcohol in the form of wine in moderate and regular doses, namely one to two glasses a day.
According to Buettner's writings, ancient Sardinian shepherds tended to consume goat's milk and sheep's cheese, flatbread, sourdough bread, barley, fennel, fava beans, peas, tomatoes, almonds, milk thistle tea, and Grenache wine.
7. Regularly attend religious events
Buettner said that 258 of the 263 people who were 100 years old joined a religious community.
In this regard, research shows that regularly attending religious events at least four times a month can increase life expectancy by four to 14 years.
8. Prioritize Loved Ones
Most 100-year-old people in the Blue Zone always prioritize their loved ones, such as their parents, elderly people from the surrounding area, and their children.
According to research, committing to a life partner can increase life expectancy by up to three years. Meanwhile, giving love and making time for children can also make them willing to become caregivers voluntarily when they grow up.
9. Stay away from toxic environments
Currently, choosing a circle of friends is a special concern for most people. Because having a circle that doesn't suit your personality can actually trigger stress and unhappiness.
According to research, social networks can influence a person's behavior and health. Moreover, the smoking habits, obesity, happiness and loneliness of one group can “infect” each other. Therefore, choosing a good circle is important so that it can last a long time.
Buettner said Okinawans formed “moai” or groups of five people and committed themselves to each other for life.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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