Keys to Longevity

 Jimmy Carter will celebrate his 99th birthday tomorrow.  

 Ninety nine years on this earth is an impressive accomplishment. 

For President Carter, it is even more more reason to celebrate, given the factors that could have shortened his life. 

His father and siblings died of pancreatic cancer. 

In 2015, he was diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his liver in brain. 

In 2019, he had a series of falls that resulted in broken bones. 

Seven months ago, he entered hospice. 

Most people are in hospice care for six months or less. 

The 8 general principles of good health are:

    fresh air

    hydration

    sunlight

    nutritious food

    sleep 

    exercise

    meditation

    feeling in control

The article I'll include at the end of this post outlines four habits that have likely contributed to President Carter's longevity: 

#1: A sense of purpose: Community involvement and volunteering have been a hallmark of Jimmy Carter's post presidential existence. Through his work with Habit for Humanity, he has helped to build, renovate, and repair thousands of homes in more than a dozen countries. 

Helping other people can help you.

#2: Strong family ties: Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter have been married for 77 years, and maintain close relationships with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  

Family keeps you young, engaged, connected.

#3: Regular exercise: President Carter was a runner into his early 80's, then switched to swimming and walking. He's also been an avid bike rider. 

Exercise is good for mental as well as physical health. 

#4: Faith: For nearly forty years, President Carter regularly taught Sunday School at the Plains, Georgia Baptist church where he and Rosalyn attend services. 

Faith fuels your spirit. Feeling connected to a Higher Power can help your body and your mind. 

Evidence is showing that lifestyle can influence both your quality as well as quantity of life. Making positive changes in the eight principles of good health and other habits can help you prevent chronic conditions, even if you have a family history of disease. 

librarianintx

https://news.yahoo.com/jimmy-carter-turns-99