Living a long life is always a goal for any individual, and throughout history, we have seen many people – both men and women – living a great deal longer than a typical human being. Although genetics and lifestyle can play a big part in how long a person lives, there is one indisputable fact: women outlive men.
The oldest known person to have ever lived, Jeanne Calment, was a woman who reached an extraordinary age of 122 years old. Now, no one alive today can recall the 1800s – the world has seen far too many generations come and go since then. It is, therefore, confirmation that longevity is a very real phenomenon when the right lifestyle and habits are followed.
This Tuesday, people learned of the passing of Sister André, a nun who was recognized as the world’s oldest person at the age of 118. She was known as a vibrant person with a great deal of resilience, right up until her passing on Tuesday, just a few weeks before her 119th birthday. When looking for ways to increase our life expectancy, it is of utmost importance to focus on both physical health and mental well-being. Taking good care of the body and avoiding unhealthy habits is key, but it is also essential to develop a strong, positive mindset that can help us to cope with the stresses of life.
Practicing a lifestyle of good nutrition, plenty of physical activity and outdoor exploration, and strong support for mental health and well-being is a great way to aim for age well beyond the typical 8 or 9 decades most people experience today. We can learn a lot from Sister André and other remarkable individuals who have lived through a century and more.
