Health & Life

The Over-100 Club’s Secret: It’s Not About Exercise or Dieting

The secret to these individuals' longevity is a fascinating question. Unlocking this mystery could hold the key to a longer and healthier life for many.

Administrator

5 August, 2024

Friendship Extends Lifespan

At 102 years old, Deborah Szekely remains sharp and spry, attributing her longevity to various factors, including friendship. CNBC Make It highlights how Deborah, at her fitness resort and spa co-founded in 1940, consistently encouraged social connections and the fostering of friendships.

This belief is shared by many centenarians interviewed by CNBC Make It, including Madeline Paldo, who turned 100 last year, and credits her friends for her longevity. “I wouldn’t be here without them. My son still takes me to see my friends every Sunday,” she says. Shirley Hodes, who celebrated her 106th birthday last year, and Gladys McGarey, who turned 102, echo similar sentiments, emphasizing the impact of social connections on one’s lifespan.

Scientific research supports this notion, with studies like TILDA highlighting the importance of friendships in extending our lives. The TILDA study, involving 8,504 individuals over 50 in Ireland, found that maintaining social relationships and friendships is as crucial as exercise, diet, and abstaining from smoking for living longer. Professor Rose Anne Kenny, Chair of Medical Gerontology at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, underscores the health benefits of investing in meaningful friendships.

Reducing Stress and Enhancing Wellbeing

Friendships release oxytocin, significantly reducing stress, depression, and anxiety, according to Medical News Today. Close friendships also enhance overall life satisfaction, reducing negative feelings and boosting mental health. Professor Kenny links loneliness to “chronic inflammation,” a root cause of various diseases affecting older adults, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and memory loss. Social isolation is associated with higher levels of inflammatory chemicals, leading to poorer health.

Additionally, Professor James Coan’s research reveals that holding hands with a loved one, including a friend, can reduce pain. He explains, “Relationships are like a potent stress reliever, calming your body down, getting it out of a fight-or-flight state and back into a state of balance. That’s how we think it works.”

Safeguarding Mental Health

Social connections, such as friendships, can protect against mental health disorders, according to psychologist Lee Chambers. The emotional and spiritual benefits of friendship are evident in the sense of companionship and joy it brings. The renowned Mayo Clinic also reports the advantages of friendship for overall health, with close relationships reducing the risk of health issues like high blood pressure and unhealthy BMI.

In conclusion, friendships promote a healthier lifestyle across the board. Building and nurturing these relationships is essential, and Professor Kenny suggests that the easiest way to make friends or increase social interactions is to engage in social activities related to your hobbies, such as joining a yoga class instead of practicing alone or becoming part of a choir.

Regardless of how one makes friends, the quality of these relationships matters most. Prioritize connections that bring you happiness, and avoid those that cause stress or discomfort, as Professor Kenny advises: “It’s not good if a friendship or bond with a family member becomes stressful or unpleasant.”

Frequently asked questions

The secret lies not in intense exercise or strict dieting, but rather in their mindset and daily habits. Members of this club have a positive outlook on life, maintain social connections, and engage in activities that bring them joy and purpose.

A positive outlook fosters resilience and a sense of well-being. It helps individuals cope with stress and challenges, leading to better health outcomes. Optimists tend to have lower levels of inflammation and healthier heart profiles.

Absolutely. Social connections provide a sense of belonging and support. Engaging with others stimulates the mind, reduces stress, and promotes a healthier lifestyle. Loneliness, on the other hand, can increase health risks.

They don’t adhere to strict diets. Instead, they practice moderation and tend to eat whole, unprocessed foods. They enjoy treats in moderation and focus on the quality of their food rather than restrictive eating.

Daily habits include regular walks, staying mentally active through puzzles or learning new skills, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining a sense of purpose and curiosity about life.