Would You Like to Live to 100?

Article submitted by Colombo Baldini of EverGive Senior Care, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Licensed, and member of The Senior's Choice Network. For more information, they can be reached at 888-383-7448, or visit their website: www.evergive.com.

Did you know that by 2050, one million Americans could be Centenarians (Census, 2000) and that the 100+ population is growing faster than any time in our history?

Characteristics centenarians share:

Diet – they maintain the same weight throughout their life.
Lifestyle – they exercise, enough to keep active; they do not smoke and consume alcohol moderately.
Social – they stay active in their community; and have a zest and love of life and people.
Spirituality – they have strong religious beliefs.
Activities – they make each day count with a full day planned including music, dance, artistic self-expression, and mind-challenging activities.
Resistance to stress – they adapt to life's events and naturally shred stress. Mostly, they laugh!

Recent research has demonstrated what our grandparents always knew - LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE! Humor and laughter contribute to better physical and mental health. Seeing the funny side of everyday situations gets us through the tough days. "A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired." (Proverbs 17:22, The Message)

What Tickles Your Funny Bone?
If it's slapstick or intellectual humor, seek it out. Read humorous books, watch funny movies, attend comedy plays, or visit the Zoo. The monkeys are a riot!

Laugh With Others
People laugh much more in groups. Laughing with others gives you permission to laugh.

Laugh At Yourself
Tell on yourself. Surprisingly, that embarrassing incident that happened years ago is now a funny story. Call the author to request a "Sense of Humor Evaluation" to determine if you are getting enough laughs. For the rest of us future centenarians, now is the time to plan, prepare, and work towards those lifestyle changes that will enhance our later years.