Wouldn't we all like to live a long, healthy, and happy life until we reach 100? Of course, that's a universal desire. However, not many people truly know the secret to achieving this remarkable feat. Yet, there are shining examples of individuals who have reached old age with a high quality of life. One such individual is a Japanese cardiologist who has reached the age of 95.
8 Healthy Habits and Lifestyle
Hailing from Osaka, Japan, a region known for its long-lived population, this cardiologist claims to maintain good health and happiness despite nearly a century of life. The key lies in eight daily habits that they consistently follow.
So, what are these habits? Let's delve into them:
1. Rise Early and Take a Morning Walk
One of the cardiologist's habits is to wake up early and take a morning walk around their home. They, along with their spouse, start their day with a stroll at 5 AM, lasting for 30 minutes to an hour, covering a total of 7,000 steps.
According to their granddaughter, Mika Cribbs, this morning walk helps boost their mood and energy levels. Moreover, it contributes to maintaining heart health, lung capacity, muscle tone, and bone strength.
2. Engage in Light Exercise
Following their morning walk, the cardiologist doesn't immediately rest but continues with light exercises. These exercises include stretching, strength training, and balance exercises.
Cribbs mentions that her grandparents vary their exercises daily, tailoring them to their abilities and needs to ensure they stay fit without overexertion.
3. Maintain Social Connections
Apart from physical health, the cardiologist prioritizes their mental well-being by staying socially connected with family and friends through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Through social media, they can communicate with distant relatives, keep up with their grandchildren's developments, and share life experiences with others, reducing feelings of loneliness and enhancing happiness.
4. Write a Blog
In addition to using social media, the cardiologist has a passion for blogging. They started blogging in 2014 and have amassed over a thousand blog posts to date.
In their blog, they share thoughts, experiences, and viewpoints on various subjects, ranging from health and politics to culture and philosophy. Blogging serves as mental exercise, keeping their mind sharp and critical.
5. Express Creativity through Art
This cardiologist isn't just a skilled writer but also a talented artist. They often spend time drawing portraits of themselves using pencils or watercolors.
Art serves as an outlet for self-expression and a way to release pent-up emotions. Additionally, it helps refine fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
6. Embrace New Experiences
Despite their advanced age, the cardiologist never loses their enthusiasm for learning and trying new things. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they picked up several new hobbies, such as gardening, learning to play a new musical instrument, acquiring new skills, and embarking on new adventures.
Trying new things brings challenges and joy, fosters personal growth, and broadens horizons.
7. Take Afternoon Naps
With their busy schedule, the cardiologist wisely takes time to rest and recharge by taking afternoon naps daily.
Typically, they have their first nap at 8 or 9 AM and another in the afternoon. These naps help replenish expended energy and support brain health.
8. Savor Delicious Meals
Last but certainly not least, the cardiologist always enjoys delicious meals prepared by their spouse. These meals aren't just tasty but also nutritious and balanced.
They often consume protein-rich foods like meat, cheese, and wine for protein, calcium, and antioxidants. However, they also incorporate Japanese-style curried vegetables for fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
These are the eight daily habits practiced by the Japanese cardiologist who has achieved a healthy and joyful life up to 95 years of age. These habits are not overly challenging and can be adopted by anyone aiming for a fulfilling and high-quality life in old age.
Most importantly, it's about finding your "ikigai" or "sense of purpose" – discovering your life's purpose and pursuing it with enthusiasm, intention, and happiness. This way, life will feel more meaningful and purposeful.
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