In recent years, the average life expectancy in our country has significantly increased, from 35 years old in 1949 to 77 years old today, which is closely related to factors such as medical level and living standards. In Jiangsu Province, according to statistics, by the end of 2010, there were a total of 2,153 centenarians, making it the region with the highest number of long-lived people in the country. Scholars have conducted a survey on long-lived people in Jiangsu Province and found that 1,000 centenarians share many common characteristics of longevity.
One of the common characteristics of long-lived people: a positive mindset
A positive mindset is one of the common psychological characteristics possessed by these long-lived individuals. They maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, which is particularly important in modern society.
Facing the pressures of life and work, they can stay calm, composed, not easily lose their temper, and do not let the pressure accumulate in their hearts. This optimistic mindset helps reduce psychological stress, maintain mental health, and may reduce damage to organs such as the liver.
Related studies confirm the significant impact of a positive mindset on longevity
The “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” in the United States once published data analysis on mindset and longevity by a research group from the Boston University School of Medicine, covering a large population. One study focused on 70,000 women aged 58 to 86 and lasted for 10 years, while another study included 1,429 men aged 41 to 90 and lasted for 30 years.
After comprehensive analysis, researchers found that among these women, after excluding factors such as health status, socioeconomic status, interpersonal relationships, and lifestyle habits, the group with the most optimistic mindset had an average life expectancy 14.9% longer than the group with the least optimistic mindset; and among men, individuals with an optimistic mindset lived on average 10.9% longer than those with the least optimistic mindset. These data surprisingly demonstrate the close relationship between an optimistic mindset and longevity. The likelihood of women with an extremely optimistic mindset living beyond 85 increased by 50%, while in men, it increased by 70%. Therefore, it can be said that individuals with an optimistic mindset are more likely to have a longer life.
Further research also found that optimistic individuals are more willing to socialize, actively listen to others’ opinions, including doctors’ advice and willingness to maintain a healthy weight, etc. These positive mindsets and behaviors also provide significant benefits for longevity.
In addition to a positive mindset, here are three other commonalities:
1. Moderate diet is also one of the secrets of these long-lived individuals. They control their daily food intake, eat three meals on time, in the right amount. Even if the food is delicious, they do not overeat, rarely overeating. This dietary habit is beneficial for maintaining gastrointestinal health, preventing the harm caused by overeating. There is a saying in traditional Chinese medicine: “overeating harms the intestines and stomach,” which further emphasizes the importance of moderate diet for physical health. It is recommended to maintain a diet that is 70% full in daily life to achieve a long and healthy life.
2. Regular routine. Speaking of routines, there are indeed many aspects of modern life that most people can learn from. In modern life, sleep and diet issues are becoming increasingly prominent, posing some health issues. Poor sleep routines may directly affect eating routines, leading to irregular meals, which in turn affects the body’s metabolism and health.
In particular, insufficient or irregular sleep has become a common issue in modern society. Long-term inadequate sleep or insomnia may disrupt the body’s metabolism, increasing the risk of obesity. Obesity is closely related to various diseases, and the rising obesity rate increases the risk of illness, which is a matter not to be overlooked for those seeking longevity. In addition, poor routines may also affect the body’s immunity and cardiovascular health.
In contrast, long-lived individuals often have more regular routines. They do not sleep in late in the morning, nor stay up late at night, have a fixed sleep time every day, and eat their three meals on time and in the right amount. This regular routine keeps their bodies in better shape and less susceptible to damage.
3. Rarely smoke or drink. Long-lived individuals often share a common trait, which is hardly smoking or drinking. This phenomenon has been confirmed in various studies and has become an important lifestyle habit for those seeking longevity.
Tobacco and alcohol have significant harmful effects on the body; smoking increases the risk of contracting various diseases, particularly leading to lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory diseases, among others. Long-term excessive alcohol consumption may lead to liver disease, gastrointestinal issues, and heart disease, among others. Long-lived individuals are generally aware of these risks and firmly resist smoking and excessive drinking for their health.
Some people may smoke and drink in social situations as a social necessity or obligation, but long-lived individuals usually have a wider social circle and more friends, and do not need to relieve social pressure through smoking and drinking. Instead, they prefer to maintain their social relationships through positive social interactions and healthy lifestyles.
Conclusion: Longevity is not just about aging but also about physical and mental health and improving the quality of life. Long-lived individuals teach us that adhering to a healthy lifestyle is an essential guarantee for longevity. Their motto is “prevention is better than cure,” they focus on preventing diseases and maintaining health, rather than waiting until illness strikes before taking action.
At the same time, long-lived individuals also teach us to relax physically and mentally, face life challenges positively, and deal with life’s ups and downs with a calm and composed mindset. In the fast-paced modern society, we are often plagued by stress and anxiety, and long-lived individuals tell us that maintaining a cheerful mood and an optimistic mindset are essential tools for achieving longevity.
