Extending life to encompass one that is full and vivacious can be significantly affected by maintaining a healthy lifestyle later in life. Eating a well balanced diet and exercise can not only help you feel healthier, it can help you maintain strong mental health as well.
Foods that are strong for a good heart are also strong for the brain. Many experts say that a patient’s history of unhealthy living can be reversed with the commitment to changing one’s eating habits and physical activity.
In a recent study at the University of Maryland of over 2500 adults ages 70 to 79 from Pittsburg and Memphis, proved those who committed to eating more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry and low fat dairy products added 10 years to their life. The study categorized the group into many categories including those who ate more dairy products high in fat and more sugary desserts as opposed to those who ate the healthier foods. Out of the group of 2500, 793 died over the ten year study and those who ate unhealthier foods were 40% more likely to die at an earlier age.
However it is interesting to note that those who ate more meats, fried foods and drank alcohol did not compromise their health perhaps due to the fact that they also ate more vegetables and fruits and whole grains.
Dietary decisions do affect each gender differently. Women need to be concerned about Osteoporosis as nearly 50% of women over the age of 50 have this disease that affects the density of the bones. Foods rich in calcium help to build strong bones and should be a part of a female diet.
Men need to focus of foods that promote regularity and develop a strong heart while fighting the risk of cancer. Fruits, dark vegetables, whole grains and fish are good elements for the male diet.
