wisdom of life
A 95-year-old cardiologist’s must-dos for a long and happy life
© Ingo Bartussek / Adobe Stock
What keeps us fit and healthy as we age? The lifestyle of a 95-year-old from Japan could be a good example for us. We reveal what we can learn from him.
Basically, we already know many routines that are supposed to lead to more fitness and health in old age. For example a balanced diet or exercise – even if it’s “just” a daily walk that gets the muscles going. According to Study of 7,047 people over the age of 85, just 10 minutes of walking per day led to an improved life expectancy. And a balanced diet not only keeps you fit, some foods can also be specific prevent diseases. For example, olive oil or green leafy vegetables are good choices for high blood pressure. Of course, the sooner we come to terms with a healthy lifestyle, the better.
On “CNBC Make it,” graphic designer Mika Cribbs explains what kept her now 95-year-old grandfather fit, besides exercise and good food. Possibly two habits that he also learned to appreciate through his former job as a cardiologist. He and his wife go for a walk together every morning – and in addition to the occasional good wine, they love homemade Japanese food, for example. Here come his other tricks.
What keeps a 95-year-old cardiologist fit
According to Mika Cribbs, the Japanese word “Ikigai”, translated as “meaning in life”, roughly describes a “feeling of meaning” in one’s life. However, it is not a single thing that matters, but rather the interaction of many small components. And this is also reflected in the way her grandfather Reizo, who is now 95 years old, lives. His daily routines include:
1. He checks in with his loved ones every day
Her grandfather is not alone because he has his wife at his side. But in addition to living together, Reizo also writes with his children and grandchildren – via social media. Strong social ties have already been done in several studies associated with a longer life. Because people with a good social network feel less lonelythey often go out and do something more often and that alone keeps them fitter than others.
2. He reflects daily on what happened
Every day Reizo writes down a few lines in a blog about what he has experienced or what is going through his head. A routine that leads to self reflection animated – and when you read it later, it also reveals what has already happened. Because we often can’t really grasp that in the present. According to research, a diary could even be a helpful support for people with depression or anxiety disorders.
One option is a gratitude diary so that people can focus more on the positive things in their lives and learn to notice and appreciate them more easily – although professional help should also be sought if the mental illness is more severe. The classic diary also has benefits for mental health: Because we let our emotions out instead of leaving them unnoticed.
3. He takes time to learn new things
Even in old age, the brain is still capable of to learn new things and make new connections. The keeps you mentally fit and can also improve your memory. In Reizo’s case, it was a new woodwind instrument that he learned as he got older. Why not? As with the 95-year-old, this could be a new musical instrument or another hobby – or perhaps the desire to learn and read something about a certain culture.
4. He allows himself creative time out
Reizo takes a self-portrait every day, writes his granddaughter Mika. He takes the time to perceive and understand himself better. A nice way to wind down and focus on the moment. Mika herself has now also taken up this routine. You can express yourself creatively according to science Reduce stress and increase mental health. Creativity is therefore also a suitable building block for building a healthy life.
Sources used: cnbc.com, webmd.com, healthnews.com, greatergood.berkeley.edu, upskilled.edu.au, bupa.co.uk