Secret to Living to 100

It amazes me that both my grandparents are close to reaching the big 1-0-0 and have been married for 70 years! I can't help but wonder, "what's their secret to living this long?" It can't be their diet because my grandparents eat whatever they want and pile on so much salt I'm surprised they haven't shriveled up already! What about smoking and drinking? Well, my grandmother still enjoys an occasional cigarette and a glass of wine with dinner. How about taking vitamins or seeing a doctor regularly? Up until two years ago, my grandmother hasn't taken any vitamins or been to the doctor in decades. Then it must be good genes, so thanks grandma and grandpa, I'll probably live till I'm 150! Even the doctors are in awe with the fact my grandparents are their oldest patients and always ask them, "What's your secret?" They say they don't have one.

Getting Older

Too bad their bodies are not as sharp as their minds. They both mostly use a wheelchair around the house and a walker when going to appointments. My grandfather who is 97, is starting to forget what day of the week it is, but still remembers the good old days of his past. My grandmother has a memory like an elephant, remembering every detail. I listen to them everyday complain how this or that hurts, moan and groan how they can't walk and watch both laying in bed most of the day from the pain. I feel for them having to suffer everyday. The docs say they are having all this pain from not moving around enough. My grandparents are encouraged to get up and walk around the house more with a walker instead of using the wheelchair, but they both say it is extremely too painful even with prescription pain medication. It is great to live such a long life, but not suffering like that. I already know there is a pretty good chance I'm gonna be around for while on this beautiful planet because my great-grandmother lived until 98 years old and I'm sure my in the late 90's grandparents still got a few good years to go. I do not mind living a long life as long as I’m happy and not in chronic pain.

So What’s the Secret?

There really is no secret to living a longer life, but everything in moderation is definitely key. My grandparents were never alcoholics, addicts, obese or regular smokers. Recent studies show that drinkers compared to non-drinkers live longer and it didn’t matter if it was red wine, beer, or liquor. Eating whatever you want without over doing it, seems a lot less stressful on your body than dieting or overindulging. Going to a doctor regularly who prescribes you medications can decrease your health because of all of the side effects and consequences of future complications from taking the drug. One thing my grandparents didn’t do in moderation or frequent is exercise. Exercise is essential for staying healthy and out of constant pain as you age. In today’s world everyone’s work, work, work and in front of their computers. No one seems to have the time to workout or join a gym. Most American’s are overweight and always plopped in front of the television. As we get older, our bodies get weak from lack of using our muscles. The doctors and I both know the reason why my long living grandparents are suffering in this moment, which is completely avoidable. We need to consistently go for walks, bike rides, and participate in any activity that requires movement.

How Can We Stay Fit and Healthy Without Any Motivation or Time?

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