9 Traits of Long-living People Globally (article)

note: interesting that “natural movement” is the #1 trait. Qigong concentrates that virtue, hence its rep as a longevity practice. – michael

*THE NINE COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WORLD’S LONGEST LIVING PEOPLE*
Blue Zones

http://nhne-pulse.org/the-nine-common-characteristics-of-the-worlds-longest-living-people/

Original Link <http://www.bluezones.com/live-longer/>

/Working with a team of scientists, we found the nine common
characteristics of all the world’s long-lived people. The secret of how
to live longer lies not in diets or excise programs but in creating the
right surroundings. These nine characteristics we call Power 9^(TM) can
help you get up to 12 good years out of life and help you look and feel
younger at every age./

*1. Move Naturally*

Americans burn fewer than 100 calories a day engaged in “exercise”. We
can get more physical activity naturally if we live in walkable
communities, de-convenience our homes by getting rid of power tools and
grow gardens. Walking is the best activity for longevity.

*2. Know your Purpose*

People who know why they wake up in the morning live up to seven years
longer than those who don’t. Know your values, passions and talents–and
how to share them on a regular basis.

*3. Down Shift*

Chronic inflammation caused by stress is related to every major,
age-related disease. To reverse inflammation, find time each day to
meditate, nap, pray or enjoy a happy hour.

*4. 80% Rule*

Cut 20% of your calories with evidence based practices: eat a big
breakfast, eat with your family, remove the TV from your dining area and
say pre-meal expressions of appreciation.

*5. Plant Slant*

Eat mostly a plant-based diet heavy on beans, nuts and green plants. Eat
meat in small portions (the size of a deck of cards) fewer than twice
weekly.

*6. Wine at 5*

Drinkers out-live non-drinkers. Two glasses of wine daily will add years
to your life, especially when consumed during a plant-based meal.

*7. Family First*

Living in a thriving family is worth a half a dozen extra years of life
expectancy. Invest time in your kids, nurture a monogamous relationship
and keep your aging parents nearby.

*8. Belong*

Recommit, reconnect or explore a new faith-based community. It doesn’t
matter if you’re Christian, Jewish, Muslim or Buddhist. People who show
up to their faith community four times a month live an extra 4-14 years.

*9. Right Tribe*

Your friends have a long-term and measure impact on your health and
longevity. Taking stock in who your friends are and expanding your
social circle to include healthy-minded, supportive people might be the
most powerful thing you can do to add years to your life.