The 16 Lifestyle Secrets of Centenarians
**from the work of Dr. Michael E. Howard, Ph.D.
- Have low blood sugar (less than 100 mg/dL fasting)
- Have low blood pressure (target is 115/75 mm Hg)
- Have low blood total cholesterol (less than 200 mg/dL)
- Keep weight low and steady (BMI from 18.5 to 25)
- Eat fewer calories
- Eat a mostly vegetarian Mediterranean diet with coffee and tea
- Avoid nutritional deficiencies
- Exercise regularly, have an active lifestyle, and stay busy after retirement
- Don’t smoke or stop smoking if you do
- Drink less alcohol (limit 2 drinks/day men, 1 for women)
- Get regular and restful sleep
- Have healthy gums
- Challenge your mind and keep learning
- Stay positive in attitude and avoid anxiety and depression
- Cope with stressors, be resilient, and have daily structure
- Stay socially connected with serenity and purpose to life
