As science advances, new resources are made available to answer one of the greatest human questions: the secret of longevity.
More than not showing characteristics that are characteristic of aging, being a long-lived person – that is, living longer and better – involves a series of factors that start with aspects that are not visible but which are fundamental in this process.
The first and most important of these is the brain. According to Thaís Bento, PhD from USP and scientific partner of Supera – Gymnastics for the Brain, it is necessary to understand that aging is a constant process common to all human beings, encompassing biological, psychological and social changes. “We need to look at aging as part of the process of human life that may or may not, through opportunities, promote a healthy and meaningful process”, she detailed.
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The worst habits on the way to aging
Modern science may still not know what the secret of good aging is, but for decades it has been betting on alerting to habits that, yes, can lead to poor aging. The 2020 Report of the Lancet Commission on Prevention, Intervention and Care of Dementia” listed 12 modifiable risk factors that currently account for about 40% of dementias worldwide, check it out:
· Illiteracy or poor education;
· hypertension (untreated);
· hearing impairment (untreated);
· smoking;
· obesity;
· depression;
· sedentary lifestyle;
· diabetes;
· low social contact;
· excessive consumption of alcohol;
· traumatic brain injury;
· air pollution.
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What to do today to age well?
On the other hand, the technical report developed by the World Health Organization for the “Healthy Aging Decade (2021-2030)” reinforces that healthy aging encompasses the entire course of life, that is, having a healthy aging means developing and maintaining the functional ability that allows well-being even in old age.
Check out what to do now to have a healthier aging
1) Social engagement (social participation, having good social support either with family or friends);
2) Not smoking and controlling alcohol consumption levels;
3) Practicing physical activities, cultivating leisure and intellectual activities (reading, handicrafts, painting, listening to music, stimulating reasoning with games, watching movies, playing musical instruments, etc.);
4) Have a routine and a good night’s sleep (consult a specialist when necessary);
5) Manage stress and anxiety (manage emotions and carry out therapies, if necessary to treat mood disorders, as it can worsen cognitive functions and trigger dementia);
6) Conduct periodic health examinations (with specialists in the field);
7) Having a purpose in life (when you have a purpose in life, objectives and goals, you give life meaning, hence the importance of cultivating spirituality).
Pay attention to your emotions!
Still according to the specialist, within this process a point that goes almost unnoticed can make all the difference in the longevity process: emotions
“A regulation of emotions makes it possible for us to go through the adversities of life with more lightness, adaptation to the environment and resilience. Developing this emotional intelligence will prevent the emergence of mood disorders, such as anxiety, chronic stress and depression, which are risk factors for triggering cognitive decline and dementia. Therefore, having a healthy mind, cultivating positive thoughts, feelings of valuing life and rescuing emotions and affective memories help in aging with a good quality of life and psychological well-being”, he concluded.