health
Discover some tweaks you can make to help you stay healthy
While you may look to your parents to determine how long you might live, studies have shown that genetics only account for 20-30 per cent of longevity. That means environmental influences like diet and lifestyle can have a huge impact – and, crucially, they can add healthy years to your life. The good news is, those changes are in your control and they might be simpler than you think!
BALANCE ON ONE LEG
It might seem odd, but being able to balance on one leg is an important marker of longevity.
Physiotherapist Christine Simms says: “Good balance is important as falls can have major consequences for older people, usually because you might break a bone and need surgery, and some never regain the same mobility afterwards.”
She says studies have found that those who can stand on one leg for 10 seconds or longer have better longevity than those who can’t. She recommends the ‘flamingo’ pose. “Look straight ahead with your arms by your side and tuck one foot behind the other calf. If you find this easy, add some challenges: close your eyes or move the suspended foot or ankle a bit. You can incorporate this into daily activities such as standing on one leg while waiting for the kettle to boil or the toaster to pop!”
Fill up on plants
When scientists have studied areas of the world where people live the longest – including regions in Italy, Greece and Japan – they have one thing in common: the people eat a diet rich in plant-based foods. Nutritionist Dr Sarah Cooke says: “Eat a colourful diet, full of a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, wholegrains, beans and whole foods. Think about adding colour to your plate rather than cutting out foods.”
See your GP
Dr Sarah Cooke says if you notice any new symptoms, seeing aGP as soon as
