Who better to give us insight into how to live long and well than centenarians themselves? UnitedHealthcare’s seventh annual 100@100 survey went straight to the source and compared the responses of people who are 100 years old with those of Boomers in their 50s. The most telling finding was that people in the 100+ club are more likely to credit lifestyle choices rather than genetics for their longevity while more Boomers say it's pretty much all in your DNA and are not as convinced that modifying bad health habits makes a difference.
Whoa! We hope you're not of that mind set! Take a tip from our wise elders who stress exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, an active social life, and a robust sense of humor as the keys to staying fit, feeling well, and celebrating many birthdays.
“Some people have the perception that the oldest members of our society sit alone in a nursing home all day, but this year’s UnitedHealthcare 100@100 survey findings suggest that getting older doesn’t necessarily mean becoming less socially active,” said Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, the nation’s largest business dedicated to the health and well-being needs of seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries. “While genetics and maintaining a healthy body are important factors in living well into the 100s, this year’s survey participants have shown that staying socially engaged is just as important to healthy aging.”
Point taken!
