My Grandma's Longevity Tips: Stay Active, Cultivate Friendships, and Be Kind
Discover the key longevity tips from a 91-year-old grandmother who feels young at heart.
Stay Moving
My grandmother Kathleen is 91 and feels much younger than other people her age. She makes sure to get movement every day, values strong friendships, and has many passions. Here are her other tips for living a long and happy life.
Kathleen gets up every morning "stiff as a board" and stretches to limber up. Then, she moves on to her exercises, which include squats and working with light weights. Daily movement helps Kathleen feel more youthful, and research indicates that exercise may actually slow down cell aging.
Develop Strong Female Friendships
My grandmother makes friends wherever she goes and specifically values her friendships with women because of the bonds created by shared experiences. Over the years, she and her girlfriends have raised kids together, helped each other through illness and grief, and spent countless afternoons shopping, laughing, and sipping white wine.
These strong female friendships benefit Kathleen in more ways than one. Studies show that friendships aren't just for fun; they're also good for your health. Kathleen believes that making friends as an adult is simpler than you might think. 'You just have to reach out to people. And before you know it, you have more friends,' she said.
Be a Romantic
It's quite evident that my grandmother loves love. She's been married three times, and she now has a boyfriend. Romantic relationships can improve physical and mental health by lowering stress levels, preventing depression, leading to a longer lifespan, and much more.
My grandmother and her boyfriend share many adventures together, like road trips from California to both Florida and Idaho. They love going to the movies, trying new restaurants, and watching British crime television shows on BritBox. Plus, a dinner date night is always fun!
Always Get Ready for the Day and Find Things You're Passionate About
My grandmother always gets ready for the day, no matter what she's doing. She does her hair, puts on a cute outfit, and doesn't forget her jewelry. Getting dressed up makes Kathleen feel good.
In addition, Kathleen believes that finding things you're passionate about is essential for a fulfilling life. She has always made time to volunteer and help others. Above all, she emphasizes the importance of kindness. Experts suggest that being kind can benefit your physical and mental health by improving mood, reducing stress, and possibly leading to longer lifespans.
