This week we will be discussing having the right attitude to living a healthier life as you age. Signs of aging appear deeper than just your skin and hair. Did you know you can see it in your DNA? That's right, your own genetic makeup indicates your age through the ends of your chromosomes, known as telomeres. These telomeres shorten as you age, which is associated with easier sickness and worse chances of survival. You can keep them longer by the way you live. Better diet and some activities can protect your DNA from the influence of aging, leading to a longer life.
Your personality can influence the way your body ages. Research has shown that people with a high conscientious score stand out as living longer, happier, healthier lives. In this context, "conscientious" means hard-working, orderly, rule-following, and self-controlled. Although some people have a tendency to be more conscientious than others, personality can also change through experiences, relationships, and your environment.
Sleeping soundly feels great. It helps preserve your physical health and emotional wellbeing. And it may extend your life, too. Researchers have found that those who regularly sleep from 6-8 hours a night have better cardiovascular health and are more likely to be free of certain cognitive problems. A study comparing adults’ ages 85 to 105 to younger people found that these older adults slept more regularly and consistently than those younger others. So if you want a better chance of living to 100, give yourself a regular bedtime. That said, a huge study of nearly 37 million subjects found no connection between insomnia and a greater risk of mortality. While getting good sleep may help you live longer, a lack of sleep is unlikely to actively shorten your life.
