15 Ways to Live Past 100 and Be Happy
Let’s face it: living past 100 might sound like the ultimate badge of honor. Who wouldn’t want to rack up an impressive birthday milestone where the candles on the cake outnumber the guests at the party? But here’s the thing—living that long isn’t just about pure luck or winning the genetic lottery. There’s a little more to it than just hoping you’ll be the one blowing out those 103 candles with a smile instead of wheezing. It’s about lifestyle choices, habits, and maybe a bit of magic, too (but mostly green veggies and a functioning social life).
If the idea of sticking around on this planet for over a century sounds appealing, it might be time to put a little thought into how you’re living now rather than waiting until you hit your 80s to care. Spoiler alert: this is not a blog about the latest biohacking trend or cryotherapy chamber. This is more of a “hey, stop doing things that make your future self hate you” guide. So, take a seat, grab a cup of herbal tea (or coffee; we’re not monsters), and let’s dive into how you can stick around long enough to see hoverboards become real and laugh at how much we once obsessed over Wi-Fi passwords.
Move Like You Actually Want to Be Alive
We’re not saying you need to run marathons or become a gym junkie. But let’s be real, sitting around all day like a sloth isn’t going to get you that century mark. Walking, stretching, maybe even dancing when no one’s looking—just move. Your body craves it, even if your couch says otherwise.
Eat Real Food, Not the Plastic-Wrapped Kind
Here’s a shocker: fast food isn’t exactly the ticket to longevity. Instead of hitting the drive-thru, focus on eating whole, nutrient-packed foods. You know, the kind that actually resembles something found in nature, not a science lab.
Stress Less or At Least Pretend To
Stress is inevitable. That’s just life. But how you deal with it matters more than you think. Meditate, practice deep breathing, or take up knitting (apparently, it’s very calming). Do whatever it takes to not sweat the small stuff. Your future 100-year-old self will thank you.
Sleep Like It’s Your Job
If sleep was a competitive sport, most people would lose. But not you, right? Because getting 7-9 hours a night is crucial if you plan on living past 100. Sleep isn’t just for dreamers; it’s for anyone who wants to avoid looking and feeling like a zombie by the time they’re 80.
Have a Social Life (Yes, Even With Humans)
It’s easy to think that binge-watching shows counts as socializing, but newsflash—it doesn’t. Having meaningful connections with actual humans (not just your cat) can improve your mood, help you cope with life’s ups and downs, and yes, even help you live longer. So text your friends, call your family, and maybe put down the remote for once.
Laugh at the Ridiculousness of It All
Laughter really is the best medicine—unless you’re at the doctor, then it’s actual medicine. But seriously, maintaining a sense of humor about life is key. You’re going to face plenty of ridiculous moments, and being able to laugh at them keeps your mental and emotional health in check.
Get Out in the Sun, But Don’t Fry
Vitamin D is a big deal. It’s not just about getting a tan (although that’s nice too). Sunlight helps regulate mood, supports your immune system, and keeps your bones strong. Just remember to use sunscreen unless you want your face to resemble a leather handbag by the time you hit 90.
Keep Your Brain Busy (But Maybe Not With Reality TV)
Keeping your mind sharp is just as important as keeping your body in shape. Learn something new, do puzzles, read books. And no, scrolling through social media for hours doesn’t count. Give your brain some actual stimulation, and it’ll repay you with extra years.
Stay Curious (About More Than Just Gossip)
There’s something to be said about curiosity keeping you young. Whether it’s learning about new cultures, traveling, or picking up random hobbies (knitting, anyone?), staying curious keeps your mind active and your life interesting.
Be Kind, But Don’t Be a Pushover
There’s plenty of evidence that shows kindness leads to a longer, happier life. But there’s a fine line between being nice and letting people walk all over you. Set boundaries, be generous when you can, and don’t let negativity suck the life out of you (literally).
Embrace Change, Because It’s Coming Whether You Like It or Not
The world changes. People change. Heck, even the seasons can’t decide what they’re doing anymore. Flexibility and adaptability are key to living a long life. The more you can roll with the punches and embrace change, the less stressed and more content you’ll be.
Don’t Smoke (And Maybe Lay Off the Drinks Too)
If you’re still smoking in 2024, we need to talk. As for alcohol, it’s all about moderation. Sure, enjoy that glass of wine or occasional cocktail, but if your liver could send you a text, it’d probably be saying, “Maybe slow down?”
Help Others, Even When You Don’t Want To
Volunteering, mentoring, or just helping out a neighbor can bring a surprising amount of happiness. It turns out, being a good person isn’t just for karma points; it’s also good for your health. Who knew?
Take Breaks (Not Just on Vacations)
If you think taking a vacation once a year is enough to keep burnout at bay, think again. Taking regular breaks from your work, social media, and the everyday grind is crucial for mental and physical longevity. So go ahead, take a breather. You’ve earned it.
Have Something to Look Forward To
It doesn’t have to be some grand life plan. It could be as simple as planning your next Netflix binge or looking forward to lunch. Having something to look forward to gives life meaning, purpose, and excitement—and we all need that, especially if we’re aiming for 100.
15 Clever Hacks To Reduce That Never-Ending Grocery Bill
Managing grocery expenses can be challenging for many households, especially with rising food costs and fluctuating budgets.
However, with some creativity and resourcefulness, you can implement numerous clever hacks to reduce your never-ending grocery bill without sacrificing the quality or variety of your meals.
15 Clever Hacks To Reduce That Never-Ending Grocery Bill
20 Frugal Habits You’ve Probably Never Thought of
Being frugal is more than just cutting back on expenses; it’s about adopting smart habits that help you save money and live more intentionally. While you may already be familiar with some standard frugal practices, many lesser-known habits can further stretch your budget and improve your financial well-being.
