A person's lifespan is influenced by several factors. Some of these are out of our control, such as our age, gender, genetic predisposition and race.
However, other factors are totally within our control, for example, our smoking status, diet, alcohol and drug consumption, activity levels, social interaction and how much we sleep.
A woman who has passed the milestone birthday of 100 shared what habits she keeps up for longevity.
Speaking on TikTok to her granddaughter Lacey Kadlec (@theshed_sb) in 2023, 100-year-old Dixie explained that she hasn't let age slow her to a standstill.
'I credit a great part of growing old happily to walking'
TikTok / @theshed_sb
Dixie told viewers that you "have to keep moving", and revealed that every day she walks between three to five miles.
"We live in a hilly area," she added, "so there's a lot of climbing involved".
Offering some wise words to others hoping to boost their longevity, the centenarian said: "I credit a great part of growing old happily to walking."
In a second video in 2024, Dixie offered a tip for those in their 40s, 50s and 60s, stating: "Age is only a number. You are what you feel."
A 93-year-old who is "ageing gracefully" also revealed that walking is one of his keys to longevity.
In conversation with Yair (known as @yairbrachiyahu on TikTok), the nonagenarian stated: "The biggest thing is exercise. You have to have something you do." The nonagenarian revealed that his exercise of choice is walking.
An article entitled 'The multifaceted benefits of walking for healthy aging: from Blue Zones to molecular mechanisms', published in the National Library of Medicine, confirmed that walking is an excellent longevity booster.
It's something you can incorporate into your life in your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond to make life easier and better in the future.
Indeed, experts stated: "The evidence overwhelmingly supports walking as a powerful anti-ageing intervention that can reduce the risk of chronic age-related diseases such as CVD, hypertension, T2D, and cancer.
"Walking also improves pain and function in musculoskeletal disorders, promotes sleep and mental health, and increases resilience.
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'The evidence overwhelmingly supports walking as a powerful anti-ageing intervention'
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"Although it is not as high intensity as other physical activity types such as running, its health benefits are substantial and are irrespective of age, sex, race or geographical location.
"Incorporating regular walking into daily routines should be encouraged as a key strategy for healthy ageing and disease prevention."
The NHS has detailed information on physical activity guidelines for over 65s.
Physical activity aims for over 65s:
- Be physically active every day, even if it's just light activity
- Do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility at least two days a week
- Do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity if you are already active, or a combination of both
- Reduce time spent sitting or lying down and break up long periods of not moving with some activity
If you are concerned about longevity or any other aspects of your health, always consult your GP. A professional can give you tailored guidance on lifestyle and exercise strategies to implement for healthy ageing.
