Longevity – fashion or awareness?

Longevity means a long and healthy lifespan. The goal here is not to preserve a youthful appearance or eliminate wrinkles, nor is it a new fashion trend, it is much more complex: it is about lifestyle factors that can contribute to our physical and mental well-being in the long term.

The topic of longevity is not only of interest to those in their 50s and 60s. More and more people in their 30s are also consciously focusing on activities that can support their physical and mental condition and vitality. The trend is probably due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases related to modern lifestyles, such as diabetes, musculoskeletal or cardiovascular diseases. But it is also a fact that the average age and retirement age are also increasing, and because of these, we need to stay active for a long time. What can we do to stay as long as possible, and perhaps more importantly, to stay in the best physical and mental condition possible, preferably for the rest of our lives? We can start incorporating some changes into our everyday lives as early as our 30s, and if we do so, our 60+ selves can be grateful for our care and foresight.

Nutrition and a little extra

It seems like a cheesy bone, but unfortunately it is not at all important what we put into our bodies. Focus on foods rich in protein, fiber, and essential omega-3 fatty acids, eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, and avoid foods that we know are bad for us. These include pre-packaged foods that are high in fat, high in sugar, low in fiber, and full of additives. And if you need a little extra, there are various dietary supplements available: those practical “tools” that can be part of your daily routine in addition to a balanced, varied, colorful diet and an active, sporty lifestyle. Our cells also age, but we can support their renewal with our lifestyle and, for example, by increasing our intake of amino acids and antioxidants. The most popular antioxidants are vitamins B2, C, and E, the trace elements selenium and zinc, but also coenzyme Q10. Amino acids are important because without them there is no protein production, which is the basis for muscle building, but they are also needed for the production of hormones and enzymes, and for the repair of damaged cells. Essential amino acids are especially important, which we can only obtain through nutrition, as our body cannot produce them on its own.