What is the Secret of Long Life?
Photo shows my dad, me and my mom
By
By Marilyn Zink
I read on the internet yesterday (www.mytelus.com) that Canada’s last surviving First World War veteran turned 109.
I wondered to myself what caused this man to live to the ripe old age of 109. What kind of lifestyle does someone have to make them live that long?
Or is it just good genetics?
My parents are visiting us now from Northern B.C. and my father is a healthy 81 year-old.
He has to take some heart medication every day and I think the heart attack that resulted in a triple bypass over 10 years ago gave him a wake-up call.
He is careful about what he eats - no white bread, no margarine. Olive oil is used frequently in his diet and he is quite careful about saturated fat.
I pointed out to my father the benefits of taking an essential fatty acid, (EFA), like olive oil and hemp seed oil every day. It’s a lubricant for the body and prevents inflammation, which is often the percursor to disease.
I also believe in using herbs in my daily life as well as anti-oxidants to stay healthy.
My father is very conscious about having a second chance at life and he thanks the good Lord on a daily basis, showing gratitude, humbleness, joy and affection in life.
See, it’s not just about what you eat and drink or the amount of exercise you do that can provide you with a long, healthy life.
I think the key is what’s in your soul. It’s about having joy, gratitude, affection, showing humbleness and appreciating those around you. Attitude is so much a part of a healthy life. So attitude is really the secret to a long life because it drives your choices and affects everything you do.
For my part, I’m thankful that my parents are still with us, healthy and active. The moments they spend with us are precious, as I do not know how many are left.
Please leave me your comments as I would love to know what you think about the secret to a long, healthy life.
Marilyn Zink is the publisher.editor of the Herbal Collective magazine. Sign up for the Free newsletter at www.herbalcollective.ca/mail.html.
