Friday, February 07, 2025

What are healthy habits of people who have lived over 100 years?

In the quest for a long and fulfilling life, the habits of those who have surpassed the century mark offer valuable insights. While genetic factors play a role, the lifestyles of centenarians often include a combination of healthy practices that contribute to their longevity.

1. Wholesome Nutrition:

- Plant-Centric Diets: Centenarians often embrace diets rich in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

- Moderate Caloric Intake: Many centenarians practice mindful eating, consuming balanced portions to maintain a healthy weight.

2. Active Lifestyles:

- Daily Movement: Regular physical activity, whether through walking, gardening, or low-impact exercises, is a common thread among centenarians.

-Functional Fitness: Activities that enhance strength, flexibility, and balance are integral to maintaining independence in later years.

3. Strong Social Connections:

- Community Engagement: Centenarians often foster strong social bonds within their communities, participating in social activities and maintaining close relationships.

- Family Ties: Supportive family networks contribute to emotional well-being and a sense of belonging.

4. Stress Management:

- Mindful Practices: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga help centenarians manage stress and promote mental well-being.

- Positive Outlook: Cultivating a positive mindset and embracing life's challenges with resilience are common traits.

5. Adequate Sleep:

- Quality Rest: Centenarians prioritize sufficient and restful sleep, recognizing its importance in overall health and longevity.

6. Lifelong Learning:

- Curiosity: Many centenarians maintain a curious and engaged mindset, often pursuing hobbies, learning new skills, or staying intellectually active.

7. Limited vices:

- Moderate Alcohol Consumption: If at all, centenarians tend to consume alcohol in moderation, often choosing red wine for its potential heart health benefits.

- Tobacco Avoidance: Non-smoking is a prevalent choice among those who reach 100 and beyond.

8. Strong Sense of Purpose:

- Engagement: Centenarians often find purpose in contributing to their communities or pursuing personal passions, providing a sense of fulfillment.

9. Regular Health Check-ups:

- Preventive Healthcare: Routine medical check-ups and proactive health management are common practices among those who live to 100.

10. Genetics and Environment:

- Genetic Factors: While genetics play a role, centenarians often live in environments that support a healthy lifestyle, with access to nutritious food, healthcare, and a supportive community.

The journey to 100 and beyond is shaped by a holistic approach to health—embracing nourishing diets, staying physically active, nurturing social connections, managing stress, and maintaining a positive outlook. By incorporating these habits, individuals can potentially enhance their chances of living a longer, healthier life.

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Why does suffering still exist in the world despite praying to God to stop it?

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There’s this saying by football legend Johan Cruyff. He went to Spain to play in the 1970s and was asked by a journalist if he believed in God — his team mates were all rather devout Catholics.

“I don’t believe in God, because in Spain all 22 players before a game begins make the sign of the cross and pray to win… if God listened to everyone, each game would be a draw!”

Now I’m not sure if this necessarily disproves the existence of God. And obviously Cruyff, a rather irreverent figure and a bit of a jokester, was just speaking in jest. But it does hit at what I believe may be a fundamental truth here…

When men go to war, they pray for victory. They pray their side wins, the other side loses. And the other side prays the same prayers. As do many athletes. For one person or one side to win, often the other side has to lose. For one group to succeed in its aims, another group must fail in theirs. And as a result, we’re left in this strange vicious cycle of doom and gloom where we suffer, and we hate that we suffer… but to solve our own suffering and enrich ourselves may cause suffering in someone else. And we can never seem to “have it all”.

Life sometimes ends in a draw, as a football match might. But more often, it ends in crushing defeat, or glorious victory. In the twilight zone between these two extremes, very little else can live. We delude ourselves it can, because without hope, who can live? Whoever designed all of this, designed it the way a clever designer would a hard-to-crack video game.

Who is the greatest person that history has forgotten?

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The Greatest Person That History Has Forgotten: Ignaz Semmelweis (1818–1865)

Who Was He?

Ignaz Semmelweis was a Hungarian physician who discovered that handwashing with disinfectant could drastically reduce infections in hospitals. Despite this life-saving discovery, he was ridiculed, ignored, and ultimately died in obscurity.


Why Is He the Greatest Forgotten Hero?

1. He Discovered Handwashing Before Germ Theory Existed

  • In the 1840s, Semmelweis worked in a maternity clinic in Vienna. He noticed that women in the doctor's ward were dying at five times the rate of those in the midwives’ ward.
  • The difference? Doctors performed autopsies before delivering babies, while midwives did not.
  • Semmelweis hypothesized that invisible “particles” from corpses were infecting pregnant women.
  • His solution? Wash hands with a chlorine solution—which immediately cut deaths from 18% to less than 2%.

2. He Was Rejected by the Medical Community

  • Despite clear data proving his method worked, doctors mocked Semmelweis and refused to change.
  • Many were offended at the idea that they were the cause of their own patients' deaths.
  • He was forced out of his job, and his research was dismissed.

3. He Died in Obscurity

  • Frustrated, Semmelweis had a mental breakdown and was committed to an asylum in 1865.
  • He was beaten by guards and died from an infected wound—ironically, the same kind of infection he had spent his life trying to prevent.

4. His Discovery Saved Millions—But Only After His Death

  • Decades later, Louis Pasteur and Joseph Lister proved that germs cause disease, confirming Semmelweis' theory.
  • Today, handwashing is one of the most important medical practices worldwide, saving countless lives.

Why Is He Forgotten?

  • His ideas were too ahead of their time, and he lacked the ability to convince the medical establishment.
  • Unlike Pasteur or Lister, he died before his contributions were recognized.
  • His story is rarely taught, despite its immense impact on public health.

Ignaz Semmelweis was a true unsung hero whose work revolutionized medicine—but he never lived to see the impact. His forgotten struggle reminds us that sometimes, history ignores its greatest pioneers until it’s too late. 

Do Muslims have a pope?

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Contrary to popular belief, Islam does in fact have a character who can be characterised as a “Pope”.

Until yesterday, that man’s name was Aga Khan IV — once known as Prince Karim Al-Husseini.

On February 4, 2025, Aga Khan IV died at the age of eighty-eight.

Throughout most of his life, he had represented the Shia Muslim community in particular.

Here are some basic, interesting facts on this now-deceased historical figure:

  • Aga Khan IV was preceded by his grandfather — the second time in a 1,300-year history that a son did not succeed his father
  • Aga Khan IV spent nine years of his childhood attending the Institut Le Rosey in Rolle, Switzerland — reportedly the most expensive boarding school in the world
  • Aga Khan IV was an active skier who represented Iran at the 1964 Innsbruck Olympics in Austria
  • Aga Khan IV had at least 15 million active followers around the world
  • Aga Khan IV was known as a “playboy” who enjoyed women and fast cars more than encouraging an image of piety
  • Aga Khan IV enjoyed horse racing and breeding, and would create his own horse farm as a personal hobby
  • Aga Khan IV was actively involved in restoring religious architecture, particularly those of Islamic origin
  • Aga Khan IV was fluent in Persian, Arabia, English, and French, and he reportedly knew a little bit of Urdu, Spanish, German, Italian, and Russian
  • Aga Khan IV’s personal wealth was between 800 million and three billion dollars — nearly all of which came from his devout Muslim followers
  • Aga Khan IV was called “the most connected man in the world”

What is the best way to prepare for old age?

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Aging is inevitable. But struggling in old age? That part is optional.

The truth is, how you age is determined by the choices you make today.

Will you be financially secure, physically strong, and mentally sharp? Or will you face constant health issues, financial struggles, and loneliness?

The key to aging well isn’t just about adding years to your life—it’s about adding life to your years.

So, what are the best steps to take right now to ensure a healthy, independent, and fulfilling old age? Let’s dive in.


1. Change Your Mindset: Aging Is an Opportunity

Many people fear getting older—they see it as a time of decline, loss, and limitation. But what if you saw it as an opportunity instead?

Aging can be the best chapter of your life if you prepare for it properly. The key is to shift your mindset.

  • Aging is not a disease. It’s a natural process that can be optimized.
  • Healthy aging is a choice. Your daily habits now will determine your quality of life later.
  • You can stay independent and strong. Many people thrive well into their 80s and 90s because they prepared early.

The earlier you start thinking about long-term health, finances, and happiness, the better.


2. Prioritize Physical Health for Longevity

Your body is your greatest asset as you age. Keeping it strong, mobile, and pain-free is key to living well.

Stay Active

  • Move every day: Walking, stretching, or strength training keeps your body functioning properly.
  • Don’t just focus on cardio—strength training helps prevent muscle loss and keeps bones strong.
  • Flexibility and balance exercises (like yoga or Tai Chi) reduce the risk of falls.

Eat for Longevity

  • Prioritize whole foods, lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
  • Drink plenty of water—dehydration is a common issue in older adults.
  • Reduce sugar and processed foods to lower inflammation and disease risk.

Preventative Healthcare

  • Get regular check-ups and screenings to catch issues early.
  • Stay up to date on vaccines (flu, pneumonia, shingles, etc.).
  • Take care of your joints—don’t ignore aches and pains, as they can worsen over time.

Bottom line? Take care of your body now, so it takes care of you later.


3. Financial Preparation: The Key to Independence

One of the biggest fears about aging is running out of money. And for good reason—medical expenses, long-term care, and daily living costs can be overwhelming.

Start Saving Early

  • Invest in retirement plans like a 401(k), IRA, or pension fund.
  • Set up multiple streams of income (investments, passive income, or side businesses).
  • Cut unnecessary expenses now to secure a better future.

Health Insurance & Long-Term Care

  • Don’t assume Medicare will cover everything—many expenses (like long-term care) aren’t included.
  • Consider long-term care insurance to avoid financial stress if you need assistance later in life.
  • Have a financial plan that includes budgeting for unexpected medical expenses.

Financial security means freedom. The more you prepare now, the less you’ll have to worry later.


4. Mental and Emotional Well-being: Stay Sharp & Happy

Your brain health is just as important as your physical health. Keeping your mind engaged and your emotions balanced will make your later years more fulfilling.

Stay Socially Active

  • Loneliness is a major health risk. Stay connected with family, friends, and your community.
  • Join social groups, clubs, or volunteer—it’s never too late to make new friends.

Keep Learning

  • Read books, take online courses, or learn a new language.
  • Challenge your brain with puzzles, strategy games, or music lessons.

Manage Stress & Mental Health

  • Practice mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation techniques.
  • Seek therapy or counseling if needed—emotional health is just as important as physical health.
  • Develop a positive outlook—aging well starts with how you see yourself.

A healthy mind leads to a happy, meaningful life—at any age.


5. Create a Purposeful Life After Retirement

Many people struggle emotionally after retirement. The sudden shift from work to free time can feel overwhelming.

The secret? Having a purpose.

  • Volunteer, mentor, or start a passion project.
  • Travel and explore new places. Even small trips keep life exciting.
  • Stay engaged in hobbies or part-time work. Many older adults find joy in consulting or freelance work.

Aging well isn’t just about avoiding disease—it’s about staying excited about life.


Final Thoughts: The Best Time to Prepare Is Now

Old age isn’t something to fear—it’s something to prepare for.

If you take steps today, you can enjoy financial freedom, strong health, and emotional well-being for years to come.

  • Take care of your body.
  • Secure your finances.
  • Keep your mind active.
  • Find purpose and joy.

Because aging well isn’t just about adding more years to your life—it’s about making those years worth living.

Start now. Your future self will thank you.