Humans are complex social creatures that adapt and evolve to external changes. Your relationship with the people in your life – your parents, spouse, children, siblings, cousins, friends, neighbors, and coworkers – will all help to shape your health picture and your emotional experience in life. Building a community of people around you that will help you reach your goal in longevity is essential.

We have a responsibility to manage our own tendencies. When you are not in control of your emotions, you are out of control. The result is stress – the underlying cause of up to 80 percent of all chronic diseases. On the contrary, a deep belly laugh can give your immune system a big boost!

It is not surprising that happily married couples live healthier and longer lives on average compared to single, unmarried people. Aside from the emotional security and fulfillment that comes from a committed marriage, partners reap the regenerative benefits of sexual intimacy. Studies reveal that sexually active seniors are the happiest men and women in any age group.

This article offers tips for building harmonious relationships which will ultimately promote longevity:

1 – Love can unclog arteries. Accepting love and loving unconditionally makes your life not only meaningful but healthy. Studies show that tender, loving care reduces atherosclerosis and the risk of heart attack. Even watching films about love has been shown to increase levels of immunoglobulin-IGA, the first line of defense against flu and cold viruses.

2 – Rx for aging: an active sex life. The majority of seniors experience a drop in the frequency of sexual activity as they age. Because of this, they miss out on nature’s secret fountain of youth – healthy sexual activity. It can raise the levels of substances that lengthen your life span like growth hormone, endorphins, and DHEA; and lower the levels of substances that can shorten it, such as the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Sexually active seniors are generally happier. Indeed, fulfilling sexuality not only improves the quality but the quantity of your years!

3 – Loving family equates to a longer life. People who enjoy happy family lives tend to have less illness and a longer life span. A good family relationship does not come automatically, but it is well worth the effort to build and maintain one. Investing in your relationships can pay dividends in a life rich in love, respect and a sense of belonging.

4 – Become a good neighbor. Neighbors are an important part of your supportive community. There are lots of patients whose lives were increased dramatically by their neighbors who came into their aid in times of need. Neighbors are like an extended family, providing friendship to help you avert loneliness and isolation, promoting a longer and happier life.

5 – Simple living and self reliance. These are marks of all centenarians. A Chinese sage once said: Modesty brings contentment, and all things grow well in the absence of complexity and clutter. Self-reliance is power. Centenarians all led simple, self-reliant, clean lives with little or no extravagance. They are frugal, getting the most from the least amount of resources.

Your relationships and personal faith are the hidden elixirs of longevity.

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