6 Top Secrets to Longevity

Life spans are growing longer and if you are like me, you are in your “third act” of life. I have never been more excited and hope what I share with you will get you excited as well.

Laura Carstensen, PhD is the professor of psychology and public policy at Stanford University. She is the founding director of the Stanford Center on Longevity.

According to Dr Carstensen, if we want to have a fighting chance at living a long, independent, vibrant life, there are certain things we can do. We are a product of our environment. We can live a vibrant life well into our 90’s but you must set yourself up for it now.

I realize it is difficult to change beliefs. What we have adapted as what we believe to be healthy and best for us can cause some pushback on new ideas. Hang with me on this one.

There are several aspects of life that are shifting, and we need to shift with it. I’m going to highlight 6 of them.

1. Weight Bearing Exercise. Most of us have been told to eat less and workout more. Cardio, cardio, cardio. That worked for me in my 30’s but NOT now. Muscle is the organ of longevity. After the age of 40, we should be doing some sort of weight bearing exercise at least 3 times a week. It doesn’t always have to be with weights. You could use bands or your body weight as well. Muscle is the KEY to longevity according to Dr Gabrielle Lyon. She studies Muscle Centric Medicine. She feels our society isn’t overweight, but under muscled. And along with weight bearing exercise is another key factor…
2. Eat Enough Protein. Food is how we age well. Most Americans lack in getting enough protein to help build the muscle. According to Dr Lyon you should eat 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. To improve anything, you need to track it. Do you track where your money is being spent? Track your water intake? Track how much gas you have in your car? Tracking your macro nutrients (protein, fats & carbohydrates) is so important but if you only track one, let it be protein. Spread the protein out during the day – maybe 30 grams with each meal.
3. Language. How do we talk to ourselves about aging? Do you see it as a positive or negative? Getting older is a privilege not everyone gets. Be likeable. Be interested and interesting.
4. Cities. We are a product of our environment. Living someplace where you can walk to the grocery, or a park or have a garden. Live in a beautiful place. Celebrate every day.
5. Social Groups. All people need to be part of a social circle and who you spend the most time with matters! Do you have a group so you can have meaningful conversations.? Do they also live a healthy lifestyle? Do you go on walks together, eat at healthy restaurants, play pickleball?
6. How we see ourselves. Do we look in the mirror and only focus on the wrinkles or sagging skin on our legs? I find so much inspiration seeing women in their 70’s lifting heavier weight than I do. Seeing amazing transformations with hair, posture, and makeup. DECIDING to embrace this stage of life and make the “third act” better than the first two.

You can decide to make your life relevant, share your wisdom with the young, be a positive role model for all women. You can do this because you are a woman with purpose. And when you do, your most confident self, shines through – and that feels amazing.