-- Home Care Assistance – Halton/Peel Region (http://www.GreaterTorontoHomeCare.ca), the area’s leading provider of non-medical, in-home senior care, is announcing its expert tips on the keys to longevity.
“It’s a trend that’s continuing to move upwards. People are living longer lives as medical advancements, technology, and an overall awareness of health begin to take hold of this culture,” says Casey Willocks, care coordinator at Home Care Assistance – Halton/Peel Region. “At last check, North Americans are living to be an average of 81 years old. And as future generations are becoming more health-conscious than ever, not to mention the pace of the aforementioned medical advancements, we can expect people to continue living longer lives.” (Source: “Average life expectancy in North America for those born in 2013, by gender and region (in years),” Statista.com; http://www.statista.com/statistics/274513/life-expectancy-in-north-america/, last accessed April 23, 2015.)
According to Willocks, although many factors can affect life expectancy, including genetic predispositions and physical environment, there are a few key ones that play a significant role in how long life expectancy is extended.
“The first is not a secret; diet plays maybe the biggest role in determining life expectancy, as meats can trigger genes that cause aging. A study of centurions shows that many of them eat a 95% plant-based diet, with the little meat they do intake being mainly fish,” she explains. “What’s also unique is that many centurions only eat until they’re about 80% full, with their biggest meals being at the beginning of the day.” (Source: “Blue Zones, Okinawans & Longevity,” Home Care Assistance web site, April 15, 2015; http://homecareassistance.com/blue-zones-okinawans-longevity.)
Willocks notes that another key factor to increasing life expectancy is being part of a social circle. Forming small groups of friends who share the same positive habits and can engage in conversation or simply be supportive has been proven to extend one’s life as well.
“It’s important for elders to find a sense of purpose,” she observes. “Having a passion reduces stress and improves quality of life, so it’s crucial to find something that makes these people excited to wake up every morning.”
“The final piece of advice is to live an active lifestyle,” Willocks concludes. “And it doesn’t have to be something structured, like going to the gym or yoga classes twice a week; just walking or gardening have been shown to increase life expectancy by close to five years.”
Home Care Assistance – Halton/Peel Region’s caregivers are excellent at promoting active living and more to the seniors they are entrusted to. For more information on Home Care Assistance – Halton/Peel Region, visit www.GreaterTorontoHomeCare.ca
Contact Info:
Name: Casey Willocks
Email: Send Email
Organization: Home Care Assistance – Halton/Peel
Address: 90, Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, Ontario L6K 1E1
Phone: 905-337-1200
Website: http://www.greatertorontohomecare.ca/
Release ID: 80927
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