How to live past 100: The ‘eight rules’ Australians swear by for a long and happy life

Daily Mail Australia readers have revealed the eight secrets to longevity, most of which will make you instantly happier and healthier.

Men and women, but also people from elderly care, nursing, medicine and the fitness industry, gave their opinion on this topic every day. Many agreed that healthy social contacts, a good posture and exercise form the basis for a ‘long life’.

This comes after FEMAIL spoke to Lorraine Kaemphel from Coffs Harbour, NSW, who celebrates her 100th birthday in November and continues to be a picture of health, both inside and out.

She attributed her “remarkable” age to her positive attitude, loving family, healthy diet and passion for tap dancing, which has kept her on the dance floor since she was 70.

1. Prioritize time with family and friends

As we grow older, we quickly forget that we need to connect and lose interest in others. But isolation can have serious consequences for our health and happiness.

A study from Harvard University A study of older people found that those who felt lonelier were 40 percent more likely to die in the coming years, compared to those who had strong social ties.

And Australia is facing an epidemic of loneliness – with a national report This confirms that one in three Australians feel isolated, meaning many of us are missing out on the meaningful connections needed to live long and happy lives.

Lorraine Kaemphel, 99, from Coffs Harbour, amazed Australians with her open attitude and positive outlook on life. Lorraine is pictured with three of her granddaughters.

“Making connections, even short, one-time conversations, can enrich the lives of those who participate,” said one reader in elderly care.

“I’m old. Love and fascination for all the other ‘animals’ around us gets me out of bed,” agreed another.

An Australian woman attributed her grandparents’ health and happiness to their close social connections and community involvement.

2. Know the ‘magic number’ of days you should exercise

Whether it’s walking, dancing or housework, most Australians believe that exercise is the secret to staying vital in old age.

And we don’t have to exercise for hours or do something very intense. The recommended minimum amount is 150 minutes per week of mixed activity.

Professor Ken Nosaka from Edith Cowan University in Western Australia told FEMAIL that we should exercise at least three times a week, with short bursts of exercise each day.

By consistently making time to be fit and active, you can ensure that you continue to perform well into old age.

The health expert said even five minutes a day could have a positive effect on our health and longevity, and Australians agreed with his ‘move it or lose it’ approach.

“My grandmother and her sister, who are in their 90s, are both very active. They never stop moving, whether it’s walking around the shops at 6am or running errands,” one reader wrote.

“My grandma is 97. No health problems. What she says is that getting lazy will kill you. Even though she has slowed down, she still makes sure to do the laundry,” added another.

“I remember my 98 year old neighbor always telling me to never stop moving. She had an active life… always walking around the neighborhood, volunteering, going to community events, etc.,” said a third.

Experts have said that just 150 minutes of mixed exercise per week is enough to keep our bodies in good shape well into our golden years

3. Check your posture

Life has its ups and downs, no matter how you approach it. Many Australians believe that the secret to surviving into old age is to maintain a positive attitude and perspective.

“I have been a surgical nurse in the ER for over 30 years. What I have seen over the years, besides good genetics, is the patient attitude,” wrote one reader.

“No matter what comes their way, they keep going with a positive attitude and a smile on their face. People who volunteer in a hospice or nursing home also have the same positive attitude towards a patient.

‘Hospice patients need a smile and a hand to hold most of all.’

Mildred Kirschenbaum, a centenarian American woman, says she attributes her “incredible” longevity to always looking on the bright side of life.

“Change your attitude. Look at the positive side of life. I think that’s what got me this far,” she added. “I try my best not to sweat the small stuff.”

But an Australian reader disagreed: ‘My aunt had a hilariously bad attitude and was grumpy. She lived to be 105.’

Avoiding ultra-processed foods, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and trying not to overeat is the diet that many believe gives us the best chance of living a long and healthy life.

4. Practice balance training

Most Australians agree that taking care of your legs and especially your hips is important to prevent age-related falls that can suddenly shorten your life.

“Stay fit enough to avoid falling. Once you fall, you’re basically done,” said one reader.

‘If you break your hip it’s over. My aunt died at 99 after breaking her hip, plans for a big 100th birthday party are already underway,’ added another.

“As we age, our legs, knees and hips are the first to lose stability,” said a third.

Research has shown that simple balance exercises you can do at home, such as standing on one leg, can reduce the risk of falls in older adults by a third.

5. Be independent

A nurse with a 95-year-old mother said she believes her mother is thriving because she still lives in her own home and receives the care and support of her adult children.

And independence was something that many Australians as they got older valued deeply and wanted to maintain for as long as possible.

“The moment I want my family to take care of my basic needs like I’m a child, and I disrupt their lives, please take me home, God,” one woman said.

Simple balance exercises, such as practicing standing on one leg, can reduce the risk of a catastrophic fall by as much as a third

6. Think about drinking and smoking

Australians agree that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are not good ideas if you plan to live a long life.

“Not drinking or smoking are often big factors in longevity. Both are carcinogenic and really age the skin,” said one.

Dr. Tim Stockwell, a Canadian scientist, said Drinking more than 35 standard drinks per week shortens lifespan by an average of several years.

But one man claimed that some people who drink regularly – and even every day – still live to a very old age.

“I know people who never drink or smoke, have had healthy lifestyles and died before they were 50. I know very few who have unhealthy lifestyles, who drink heavily, smoke, have obesity, heart disease and diabetes, and are in their late 80s,” he said.

7. Pay attention to portion size

It’s no surprise that most Australians attribute their health and longevity to what they put on their plate.

Although most people consider fresh fruits and vegetables to be the basis of a healthy diet, it is also important not to eat more food than our bodies need.

A woman, whose mother and sister live well into their 90s, said they both avoid extreme “high-calorie foods.”

They ate a balanced diet and didn’t overeat. If there was more on their plate than they needed, they just saved it for later.

Dietitians also emphasize that avoiding processed foods plays an important role in our health and longevity. They state that eliminating or limiting processed foods from our diets contributes greatly to our health and longevity.

8. Give your DNA a helping hand

An Australian said the two secrets to ageing well are ‘genes and genes’, but most people think it’s not just a matter of lifestyle versus genes.

“It’s both. You can have good genes, but if you don’t take care of yourself, you can waste them. You can have ‘bad’ genes and still age quite well if you take extra good care of yourself,” said one reader.

A few people also revealed the stranger reasons behind their loved ones’ longevity.

“My grandfather lived to be 101 and had the best attitude in the world. He was a joy to be with, didn’t drink, didn’t smoke, and walked everywhere,” one woman said.

“He ate popcorn twice a week for dinner and once a week a bowl of bread covered in milk, and for dessert he had melted butter with a pinch of sugar,” she added.

“My aunt lived to be 103 years old, lived in her own home, without any outside help. She used all kinds of obscenities in her language and didn’t give a damn about anything or anyone. That’s why she lived so long,” said another.