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The sun rises in the east and sets in the west every day, and everything grows in a continuous cycle. The laws of nature seem to hold the rhythm of all life. However, when we look back at the elderly who have lived past the age of 90 or beyond, we find that there are some intriguing secrets hidden in their lives. Don't rush to think that this topic is cliché, today we are going to uncover the mystery of longevity from an unprecedented perspective. The study found that those who live a long life in their nineties, no matter where they are, have two surprising things in common in terms of lifestyle. Don't be in a hurry to roll your eyes, these two commonalities seem to be incompatible with longevity, so let's start revealing the secret.
First of all, the first commonality: these long-lived old people are very fond of fermented food. You heard it right, it's foods that have been fermented by microbial action. Whether it's yogurt, kimchi, natto, or miso soup, these old people love fermented foods to the point of obsession. Is there really something wrong with this?
Scientific studies have shown that fermented foods are rich in probiotics, and these tiny microbes are essential for our gut health. The gut is known as the "second brain" of the human body, which is not only responsible for digestion and absorption, but also plays an important role in the immune system. Probiotics are able to regulate the balance of intestinal flora, enhance immunity, and even help reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. For long-lived seniors, keeping their gut healthy means less disease distress and stronger body resistance.
In order to make it easier for everyone to understand, we can analyze it in combination with specific stories, suppose there is an old grandmother, she is over 90 years old, her body is still strong, and a cup of homemade yogurt every morning is her habit for decades. Not only does she not have three highs, but she rarely even gets a cold. The grandmother's neighbors have called her a "health miracle", but the little secret behind this is her cup of yogurt.
From a medical point of view, probiotics do help the body maintain health. Through a large number of experimental data, scientists have found that probiotics can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of harmful bacteria, thereby improving the intestinal environment. Not only does this aid digestion and absorption, but it also affects brain function through the gut-brain axis, improving mood and cognitive performance. It is no wonder that these long-lived old people are clear-headed and energetic.
The second commonality is even more impressive: almost all of them have a fixed hobby and have been sticking to it for many years. Whether it's planting flowers and grass, painting and writing, or playing chess and fishing, these long-lived elderly people find joy and satisfaction in a certain activity. It may sound like a cliché, but the science behind it is anything but ordinary.
Modern psychological research has shown that having a long-term hobby can greatly improve life satisfaction and mental health. Hobbies not only provide ongoing psychological stimulation, but also enhance self-efficacy and social support. Especially for older people, regular hobbies can prevent depression, alleviate loneliness, and even slow the progression of cognitive decline.
For example, there is a male white-collar worker who is busy with work on weekdays, but goes fishing every weekend. His hobby of fishing has been going on for thirty years. Despite the stress of work, he never felt anxious and depressed.
Fishing not only relaxes his mind, but also allows him to meet a group of like-minded friends, which makes his life more colorful.
From a medical point of view, long-term hobbies do help to prolong life. Studies have shown that a positive mental state and abundant social activities can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and enhance immune function. An interesting statistic is that older people with regular hobbies are nearly 30% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who don't. This undoubtedly adds a touch of color to the secret of our longevity.
The lifestyle of these long-lived elderly people not only makes us sigh, but also makes us see a possibility: through simple lifestyle adjustments, each of us can take a step towards a healthy and long life. And these two seemingly unrelated commonalities are actually the key to their health and longevity.
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However, the secret to a long and healthy life goes far beyond that. Suppose there is a young woman who loves to travel and adventure and goes to different places for adventure every year. She is not only in good health, but also full of energy and passion. Her friends envy her health and state of life, while she herself believes that it all stems from her love of life and positive attitude.
For this young woman's example, we can further explore the question: What role does mental health play in longevity? Studies have shown that a positive state of mind not only improves quality of life, but also has a profound impact on physical health by regulating the endocrine and immune systems. Feelings of pleasure and contentment can increase the secretion of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, neurotransmitters that are essential for maintaining mood stability and boosting immunity.
Another example is a middle-aged uncle who insists on exercising every day, no matter the wind or rain. His exercise habit has been going on for more than two decades. Although he is not a sports enthusiast, he has found a balance between his mind and body through sports. The doctor told him that this perseverance not only strengthened his physique, but also effectively prevented a variety of chronic diseases.
In response to the example just given, from a medical point of view, the health benefits of long-term exercise habits are obvious. Exercise not only strengthens cardiopulmonary function and improves metabolism, but also prevents cardiovascular disease by regulating blood sugar and blood lipid levels. In addition, exercise can help relieve stress, improve sleep quality, and increase overall life satisfaction. Scientists have found through the study of a large number of long-lived elderly people that almost all long-lived elderly people have a healthy lifestyle, and exercise is undoubtedly the most important part of it.
Behind these stories and research data, we see a simple but profound truth: healthy and long life is not an unattainable dream, but can be achieved through a scientific lifestyle and a positive mindset. The lifestyle habits of these long-lived seniors tell us that fermented foods and hobbies are the two key factors for their health and longevity.
Finally, let's consider a derivative question: In addition to fermented foods and hobbies, what other lifestyles and habits can help us achieve a long and healthy life? Actually, the answer may be simpler than we think. Scientific studies have shown that a sensible diet, moderate exercise, good sleep, and positive social interactions are all key factors for a long and healthy life. Everyone can prolong their lives and realize their dreams of health and longevity through a scientific lifestyle and a positive attitude.
What do you have to say about this? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section!
References:
[1] Wang Danni. Analysis of the influencing factors of life satisfaction of family caregivers of the long-lived elderly, Journal of Nanjing Medical University (Social Science Edition), 2022-06-30