The Gift of Longevity

 (By Guest Blogger, Cynthia Brian, from her book “Be The Star You Are” Millennials To Boomers)

Life expectancy has changed dramatically since the time of the Roman Empire, when the average lifespan was 22 to 25 years. In 1900, the world average was 30, while in America a male could expect to live to 46 and a female to 48. Fast forward a hundred years to millennials born in 2000, where the average man is expected to live to 75 and average woman to 80.

The world’s highest life expectancy is found in Japan according to statistics gathered from the United Nations for 2005-2010. What characteristics set them apart from the rest of the world’s population?  An Okinawa Centenarian Study found that elders are laid back, adaptable, optimistic, and rely on strong family and friend connections plus deep spiritual beliefs. They also follow a low calorie diet and eat as Confucius instructed: “Eat not until you are full but until you are eight parts out of ten full.”

What can you do to increase your odds of living to 80, 90 or 100 if you don’t live in Japan? As long as you don’t get run over by a bus, here are a few things you can do to increase your odds of living until old age:

* Drink more coffee, green tea, and plenty of water

* Volunteer

* Laugh often

* Enjoy your vacations and play times

* Begin to live today with the hand you are dealt.  What cards you play are up to you.

Note:  Above are excerpts from a book which celebrates the gifts of positive voices by Cynthia Brian, a New York Times best-selling  author, TV/Radio personality/producer, lecturer and enrichment coach.  This book can be purchased at  https://www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store/Be-the-Star-You-Are-Millennials-to-Boomers-Celebrating-Positive-Voices-in-a-Changing-Digital-World-p90073981

If you want to be a guest blogger on Scattering Kindness  contact karenkitchel@comcast.net