HOW CAN YOU LIVE BEYOND YOUR LIFE EXPECTANCY

Several factors determine our life expectancy. Whilst genetics play a role, which makes screening important, our daily habits are powerful tools in extending both the length and vitality of our lives. From how we move to how we manage our emotions, lifestyle choices such as a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management are key to living a longer life.

Commitment to sleep and a healthy sleeping schedule is the cornerstone for longevity. When we get less than 7–8 hours of sleep at night, it makes other lifestyle choices harder to commit to. We’re less likely to go to the gym and more essentially, make healthy food choices when craving foods that provide an instant energy boost, usually laden with sugar, salt and preservatives. Good sleep also helps nurture positive mental wellbeing, making sleep essentially a ‘superfood’ for longer living.

Regular exercise is also crucial. Even as little as 15 minutes a day can add years to our lives and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It’s important to keep active at each stage of life, to help fight off illnesses, manage our emotions and keep our essential organs pumping at their optimum best.

Studies show that higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress and anxiety are associated with longer life expectancy. There are many things that we can do to promote our emotional wellbeing such as meditation, creative pursuits, exercise, good food and maintaining strong social ties. It’s important to avoid toxic habits such as smoking and consuming alcohol since these are strongly linked to illness, so opt for nurturing social activities like walking, exercising together and so on. Avoid nightlife socialising, as these activities impact our sleep, diet and exercise patterns and wreak havoc with our internal systems and mental health.

Saving the most crucial and controllable factor until last, the most impactful thing that we can do to extend our life expectancy is to commit to a healthy diet and manage our weight. A balanced diet, mindful eating and weight maintenance are foundational to longevity and overall vitality as we age. By moderating calorie intake and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, nuts and whole grains, we can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, promote emotional wellbeing, enhance esteem and overall improve almost every aspect of our lives. ‘Make your body a garden, not a graveyard’ is an apt quote when it comes to discussing life expectancy since centennials mostly credit a plant-based diet to their 100-year milestone.

The Ideal Weight retreat at Kamalaya Koh Samui Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa can help set the stage for a journey to lifelong wellness. Working with a wellness consultant, a dedicated fitness team and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practitioners, you’ll create new fitness habits, discover what to eat to achieve your desired weight and develop a personalised sustainable weight management strategy. Ideal for weight loss, balancing blood pressure and reducing cholesterol, the retreat empowers and helps establish a long-term commitment to your weight, health and wellness goals.