Living to be 100. It’s a lofty goal, but one most of us want. It’s seemingly the magic number for a long, prosperous life. But 100 years on the planet is very different than loving life each of those 100 years. Here are 10 habits your should take up now to live to 100.
1. Workout. Be active.
A body in motion stays in motion. A body at rest stays at rest. Stay in motion. Daily. With the vast majority of jobs moving more to the office and less in the field, it’s easy to spend most of your time sitting. Exercise becomes a vital factor in maintaining a healthy, happy life well into the golden years. Learning to play golf and tennis when you’re young can help you stay active when older and offer a great way to stay social for years to come.
2. Love unconditionally.
As you get older, many of the things that you find most appealing today won’t even be a huge part of your life in the future. Your job will consume less of your life, your good looks will fade, and your relationships with family and friends will endure. Make sure you make time for those who you love at every stage of your life. Love your spouse, your children, your friends, and your family unconditionally. Share love. Maintain the bond and hold on to those close to you. Many of the petty problems that can often drive a wedge into families happen when you are younger and more proud. Love unconditionally and you’ll find a loving, caring support system shines through when other things fade.
3. Embrace the changes that age brings.
You will change. From your body to your mind and everything in between, age will conquer. Embrace it. Wrinkles bring with them wisdom and years of memories and stories. Share them. Don’t let the changes rule you, rather make the most of your experience.
4. Eat your veggies.
Eat well, not just as you get older, but in each stage of life. Food is such a vital part of your life, make sure it’s fuel for your body and not damaging. You can’t live to be 100 if you’re not healthy. A healthy diet is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life and maintain it for a long, long time.
5. Sleep. Nap. Stay rested.
Get enough sleep. A well-rested body performs at its best and offers protection against illness and fatigue. You’ll get less stressed and keep wear and tear off your body. Find a sleep pattern that works for you and stay rested. Sleep is vital for recovery. You’ll test your body each and every day. Give it the time it needs to heal properly and it will reward you will a long, healthy life.
6. Play chess. Or Monopoly. Or Phase Ten.
Play games. Keep your mind sharp and maintain a competitive edge. You’ll find that learning to love these types of strategy games when you’re young will give you something to excel at as you age. Having a healthy dose of competitive juices flowing will keep your mind sharp and your days full, no matter what stage in life.
7. Embrace new technology.
It can be lonely in a world where technology reigns supreme if you’ve not embraced it. Embrace it. Stay up to date with the newest technology and buy the latest and greatest gadgets. Join the social networks the kids are using and continue to learn and evolve as new technology arrives. You’ll find that while others get left out in the cold, you will maintain the ability to do what you want. A lot is going to change by the time you turn 100. Stay relevant and you’ll make sure every year counts.
8. Listen to the local pop radio station.
Along the same lines as technology above, stay current. Whether that’s opening yourself to new music or finding new hobbies, always leave room to evolve. By embracing change, you’ll be prepared for the new and exciting world that will be around in the next few dozen years.
9. Don’t miss your yearly doctor’s visits.
Take care of yourself. And start now. Just as illness seems to compound on itself, staying healthy does also. Don’t be too proud to visit your doctor and make sure you take care of your teeth at the dentist. It’s the little things that slip when we’re younger that can cause massive problems later in life. Stay healthy and fit. Your 100-year-old self will thank you.
10. Travel. Learn to love being away from home.
Learn to love adventure. Many things will change in your lifetime. Be open to all the experience that 100 years can bring. Travel the world. Travel the country. Explore your surroundings. Find things outside of your home that you love and embrace them. You’ll find that 100 years will fly by when you live each one like it could be your last.
Featured photo credit: Jenn Durfey via flickr.com
