on the brink

 

Most of us would agree that the key to a long life has something to do with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Following a healthy diet. Maintaining a normal BMI. Exercising regularly. Keeping the mind active and engaged. Avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and other drugs and inhalants. Managing hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Controlling stress. Some of us even believe that relaxation techniques and meditation are helpful. Some people embrace faith as a factor. It all makes sense.

"The secret to living well and longer is to:

Eat half,

walk double,

laugh triple,

and love without measure."

~Tibetan Proverb~

This past week, though, a few other possibilities came up. These are based on studies performed by people who have dedicated their professional lives to unlocking the secrets for living longer and better. One study looked at napping patterns as an indicator. It turns out the timing of naps, their duration, and frequency can be an indicator of poor health. So, try to avoid long naps late in the morning and around midday. Thankfully, however, a quick power nap every so often seems to be safe.

"Let's begin by taking a

smallish nap or two."

~Winnie-the-Pooh~

A number of studies promote the idea that social interaction is important and that loneliness and isolation are detrimental, which is a bit off-putting to those of us who enjoy solitude and prefer silence. We can be perfectly happy, healthy, and engaged in relative isolation. Then there's the suggestion that having a dog can help. A dog provides companionship and requires exercise, so that makes sense. Poverty seems to have a negative impact, while wealth is good. Duh!

The problem with these studies is that it's hard to control for all the factors that play a role in longevity. So, for the most part, these associations suggest they are correlated, but don't prove causation. This is reassuring because, if napping shortens one's lifespan, I'd need to dramatically increase my caffeine intake. And if having a dog adds years to one's life, I know right where to get one. (It's a rescue...)

The point is longevity is partially determined by genetics and luck (meaning whether you're lucky enough not to get sick). No one questions the value of a healthy diet and lifestyle, exercise, and loving relationships. To these, I would add:

• Stress management in the form of meditation, yoga, and practices such as Tai Chi and Qigong
• Spending time outdoors

"Everybody should be quiet 

near a little stream and listen."

~Christopher Robin~

• Engaging in creative and/or cognitive activities
• Relaxing into music you love
• Self-care, whatever that means to you

"Self-care is a divine responsibility."

~Attribution Unknown~

As we totter on the brink of nuclear war this week, remember this:

"In the end, 

it's not the years in your life that count.

It's the life in your years."

~Abraham Lincoln~

jan