I did a little homework on common traits of centenarians (people 100 years of age or older). Some of what I found may or may not be surprising to you. Either way, if you want to live long and prosperous, here’s what you need to consider:
- Spiritual Health: Centenarians have a strong connection to church, spirituality, and faith. Studies suggest that people who go to church at least four times a month live 4 to 14 years longer than people who don’t.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5
- Mental Health: This consists of several items- exercising your brain by reading and doing things like crosswords and word search puzzles; keeping up with current events; and finding positive alternatives to giving in to stress and anxiety. Centenarians have a strong sense of belonging as well as the ability to see the glass as half full.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.” Proverbs 9:10-11
- Physical Health: This is probably the most obvious of all the common traits of centenarians. Proper diet and exercise are essential to living long and prosperous. The number one cause of death in the United States (after abortion) is heart disease at 600,000 deaths per year. Obesity can cause a range of issues like heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and some types of cancer. Folks 100 and older practice the 80% rule- they stop eating when they are 80% full. They consume much less meat than the average American- about 4 times a month for red meat, and less than 3 times a week for fish. Their diet is high in plant-based nutrition and beans. They also tend to be more active, exercising at least 7 hours a week or simply living an active lifestyle. And, although most now live in urban communities, they lived in non-industrial, less toxic environments for most of their lives.
“When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you; and put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.” Proverbs 23:1-3
- Alcohol Consumption: Centenarians are not given to excessive use of alcohol, but will have a glass of wine, often daily. Also, most have never smoked.
“For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.” Proverbs 23:21
- Centenarians have a good sense of humor.
“A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
- Retirement: Don’t do it! It’s a trap! This is such a true statement when it comes to living long and prosperous. Studies have found that those who retire early (age 55) do not live as long as those who retire at age 65. And those who retire (at any age) often feel as though they have lost their sense of purpose, many of which pass away within the first year of retirement. The key to retirement is not to retire, but to shift gears into other activities. Centenarians have strong social connections, belong to groups, join activities, and the like.
“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work.” Exodus 20: 9-10
- Which brings us to point number 6- Rest: Centenarians know not to push it too far, but to get an adequate amount of sleep, between 7-8 hours (7-9 for adults under 65). Studies suggest that consistently getting less than 6 hours of sleep each night can result in- high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure or stroke, obesity, depression and lower sex drive.
“And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath (a day of religious observance and abstinence from work) was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.’” Mark 2:27
- Put God and Family First: God, Who is our Abba Father, is our strongest familial connection. Having a personal relationship with Him through His Son, Yeshua, is first and foremost. Secondly, put loved ones first. Centenarians are often surrounded by family and friends. Studies have shown that married people and people who have children live longer. Centenarians get married and stay married.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12: 30-31
- Lastly, be a woman! Most centenarians are indeed female. Sorry, gents. Some studies suggest this is due to the fast-paced, high stress, go,go,go work environment many men subject themselves to, complete with higher aggressive tendencies to succeed than women. Men take on jobs that increase mortality whereas women tend to go into fields that are less “dangerous.” Guys, you pay a high price for being provider and protector and for that I say, “Thank you!”
However, take note: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30
I would like to take a moment to point out a few items NOT on the list of common traits of centenarians: social status, fame, wealth, education, number of likes on Facebook posts, number of retweets, and copying and pasting memes suggesting that copying and pasting memes will make you blessed.
I pray that you live a long and prosperous life, to the full, in all areas of your existence while hear on Earth. I pray you find your God given plan and fulfill your purpose. I pray that at the end of your life, you lay down to take your last breathe in satisfaction for the life you have lived.
“With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” Psalm 91:16
In His Service,
Rebecca Hamilton, Founder/ Executive Director
For Every Great Battle, There is a Great Victory!!