tag:www.chicagonow.com,2011:/blogs/body-by-bond//62/tag:www.chicagonow.com,2009:/blogs/body-by-bond//62.28259- Comments for Do you want to live until you're 100? Learn how to get in shape with Luvabull and Miss Illinois USA 2009 Ashley Bond. Movable Type 4.261 tag:www.chicagonow.com,2009:/blogs/body-by-bond//62.28259 2009-11-03T15:09:17Z 2009-11-03T15:10:23Z Do you want to live until you're 100? Ashley Bond http://www.chicagonow.com/profiles/AshleyBond
This topic was discussed in a college course of mine and I was reminded of it last night on ABC's Dateline.  A researcher found four key variables that he believes have helped these individuals around the world reach longevity.  (They also match the points I learned in college as well)

They are:

1) Live in environments that promote physical activity.  (They take bikes to work, do physical labor, etc.)

2) Eat mostly plants and eat smaller portions of food.

3) Have a good social network.

4) They have a purpose in life.
Physical activity is good for your body.  The more you can fit it in the better it is for you.  Environments that promote this such as cities with great sidewalk planning, make it easier for individuals to choose physical activity over other transportation.

There is a theory that the more you eat the more work your body has to do to digest, which means more free radicals in the body.  Drink green tea?  It is full of antioxidants which help get rid of free radicals.  Thereby, it is thought that if you eat less you will have less free radicals in your body that can harm your cells. 

Loneliness is not good for anyone.  When people feel needed and have people to laugh with they are happier.  Happiness really is good for the body. 

A purpose in life is said to give you something to wake up for.  Something to work on.  There has been research that states those who feel they have a purpose live longer than those who don't. 

I thought this was an interesting topic to share with you.  Do you agree with these topics? Have any questions or thoughts?  Do you want to happily live til 100? 

Check out my next post to see how these points were implemented in a city in the United States. 

Have a fun and fit day, Chicago.   ]]>