Those who have lived to be 100 have some advice for you young whipper-snappers in your 50s who want to reach the century mark: Sleep longer and eat a more healthful diet.
That’s the finding from Unitedhealthcare’s annual “100@100 Survey,” which for the first time looked not only at the century-old group, but also at boomers age 50 to 55.
As of 2010, the Census Bureau estimates there are 72,000 Americans who have lived 100 years or more. By 2050, the aging of the baby boom generation will bring that number to more than 600,000.
The survey found that in some ways, those at the century mark are very similar to those who are halfway there: Both age groups are equally dedicated to maintaining health through daily exercise, following some form of spiritual activity and being socially active.
Nearly 90 percent of both boomers and centenarians say they talk with a family member or friend every day; just over half of centenarians and about 60 percent of boomers say they exercise daily; and about 67 percent of 100-year-olds and 60 percent of the 50-somethings say they engage in spiritual activities, such as praying or meditating.
Among centenarians, nearly 45 percent cite walking as their favorite physical activity and 40 percent do exercises to strengthen their muscles.
Both age groups are nearly as likely to attend a social event (26 percent of boomers vs. 24 percent of centenarians) and find something amusing enough to make them laugh or giggle (87 percent of boomers vs. 80 percent of centenarians) nearly every day.
Read the rest of the article here.
Taken from the AARP Blog
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