Dr. Mao's Secrets of Longevity

Dr. Mao's Secrets of Longevity 

Centenarian Tips for a Long Life 

Everyone would love to live to a ripe old age, but not if it means looking and feeling like an over-ripe old vegetable. We need to understand that though getting older is inevitable, getting decrepit is not. 

Being bent in half and wheeling around an oxygen tank should not be what we picture when we hear the phrase "the golden years." I have seen centenarians around the world who defy our stereotypes of the aging experience. 

In fact, 20 years ago, while in Shanghai, I took note of the thousands of seniors - a great many of them centenarians - meeting up in parks each morning to practice tai chi. I was truly amazed by their agility, sharp minds, and overall state of health. 

Intrigued by this discovery, I began studying the lifestyle of centenarians around the world and anti-aging therapies. I combined these discoveries and uncovered the secrets to longevity. Here are a few secrets that will have you looking forward to your 100th birthday! 

Tai Chi: An Exercise in Anti-aging 

Tai chi, the choreographed meditative exercises that have been a healing art in China for thousands of years, is practiced by over 100 million people worldwide and owes its popularity to a simple fact - it's enjoyable and it makes you stronger. 

Recent studies confirm that when practiced regularly - 30 minutes, three times a week - it has numerous health benefits including: increased energy, decreased stress, an immunity boost against viruses, lowered blood pressure, better cognitive functioning, increased joint mobility, an improved cholesterol profile, relief from fibromyalgia symptoms, and even a better night's sleep. 

It also increases leg muscle strength and provides better balance and posture. Perhaps the best part is that tai chi is a gentle exercise that can be performed by anyone at any age. Click here to find out more about tai chi. 

Centenarians I have met also take advantage of other rejuvenation techniques the Chinese have known for thousands of years - like acupuncture, acupressure, and energy healing that increase energy, promote health, and balance the body and the mind. 

Diet: The Cornerstone of Longevity 

It is no surprise that diet is an essential factor to health and longevity. So what should you be eating? In my studies, I found that the centenarians of two reputed "longevity capitals" - Okinawa, Japan, and Rugao County, a rural community four hours north of Shanghai - shared a nearly identical diet. 

These long-lifers eat mostly fish, vegetables, mushrooms, seaweed, corn, and buckwheat - and virtually no meat. Scientists have confirmed the health benefits of a diet high in fish and vegetables and low in animal products. These centenarians are living examples, as they suffer from very little heart and liver disease and have negligible rates of cancer and degenerative diseases. 

Environ-Mentality 

When it comes to longevity, environment is half of the equation. From the verdant valleys of Ecuador to the rugged mountains of Armenia to the pristine foothills of the Himalayas, centenarians live in environments that exhibit the same characteristics: clean air, good water, low stress, close communities, and unspoiled nature. 

Take a tip from these centenarians and drink only clean, filtered water. Connect with your community in a positive way. Find every way you can to bring nature into your life, from planting more trees in your area to more plants in your home. 

Avoid the environmental factors that are damaging to our wellbeing and know what to look out for. Just a few things to avoid include xenoestrogens, which are present just about everywhere, pesticides used on vegetables, hormones injected into meats and poultry, phthalates leaching from plastic bottles, and dioxins from bleached paper products. You can avoid these chemical compounds if you buy organic foods and use glass containers and unbleached paper products. 

Keep it Simple! 

Centenarians' lifestyles are simple. The centenarians I have known lead active lives and get plenty of rest. They are dedicated lifelong learners and avid travelers. Enjoy your years and you will have many more years to enjoy! 

I hope these suggestions further your longevity goals! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me. 

May you live long, live strong, and live happy! 

-Dr. Mao