Do You Have What It Takes To Live To Be 100?

How long do you think you'll live?  Seventy-five?  Eighty-five?  Ninety years of age?  The real question is, "How long would you want to live?  What would you do with all those 'extra years'?"

The keys to becoming a fully active centenarian are found in today's excerpt from my new book Intelligence For Your Life:  Powerful Lessons For Personal Growth. 

Most people are genetically equipped to live into their mid-eighties, says Dr. Thomas Perls, director of the New England Centenarian Study. But what’s the secret of crossing two centuries? Dr. Perls asked the Centenarians themselves.

Of course eating right, exercising, and not smoking are pretty much a given. But people who reach a hundred typically have three important traits: They’re assertive, they’re purposeful, and they’re resilient.

Being assertive means getting out of the house. As you get older, spend time with friends; be active. Being assertive is the opposite of being passive.

The Centenarians also say, “Don’t quit your day job” . . .unless you’ve got a good substitute to fill your time. That falls under “being purposeful.” People who work well into their old age—instead of withdrawing into themselves (there’s that passivity thing again)—still feel that they’re doing something important with their time. Working also keeps the mind sharp and the body active. As one Centenarian put it, “You make a trip around the world, then what? You read all the books you want to read, but what do you do after that? A person needs to feel that they’re making a difference.”

And the third trait shared by people who live to be a hundred is resilience—keeping your spirits up, getting through hard times with a positive attitude, not letting illness or the passing of friends and family drag you down. To be resilient you need to believe that life still has a lot to offer. You need to believe God’s promise: “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

John Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

For more advice that will help you live longer and better, you can get Intelligence For Your Life:  Powerful Lessons For Personal Growth at your local bookstore or online at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com.

Comments

[Sandra Larabie]

I truly enjoy your show. The information you are sharing is intelligent with a lot of common sense that many people seem to lack. The facts are the facts and your humour with it makes you interesting and encouraging to listen to.
Have a great day! Sandie

[Miss Rockin and Rollin!]

Living life in The Now and enjoying every moment, being thankful for everything you have. Gratitude is key! Respecting your body by eating right and exercising it, pray with each step, and tons more help me everyday. I have crib notes that I read every morning or with every meal if I can to help me to keep focused on what truly matters in life. I love to share these too!