Longevity is shaped by several factors that are out of our control, such as genetics, race, and age. However, we can influence multiple parts of our lives, including diet, exercise and lifestyle choices.
A woman who lived to 103 years old, Dr Gladys McGarey, previously shared her secrets for a longer life.
In a conversation recently shared by YouTube channel Seeds of Success, the centenarian explained that despite her age, she aimed to stay mobile.
She said: "I always walk with my walker and keep my steps on my mobile phone. This makes sure that I keep moving."
The 103-year-old said she would count her steps on her phone
YouTube/SeedsOfSuccess
Despite having "no place to go", Gladys walked around her "little house" to reach her step goal.
The centenarian, who passed away in September last year, recommended aiming to "get at least eight hours of sleep every night" and resting if she felt the need.
She stated: "It took a while for me to understand that if you rest, you are not being lazy; you are doing something. Resting is a good thing to do."
In addition to their physical health, the 103-year-old encouraged people to focus on their mental health by managing their stress levels.
Gladys said: "To lower your stress, get some music going or watch a child giggle. Do something that makes you laugh and makes your diaphragm vibrate."
The doctor explained that laughing causes your adrenals to "settle down" because your diaphragm vibrates.
This is due to the "adrenals sitting on top of the diaphragm", which relaxes any "fear" you have.
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Gladys told people to focus on reducing their stress levels
YouTube/SeedsOfSuccess
The woman added: "The adrenals have trouble hanging on to [fear and stress], so do what you can to laugh."
An 86-year-old man has also shared his secret to living a long, healthy life, crediting a habit he picked up during his army days.
Peter Thomas spoke on his TikTok account (@PeterHThomas) about how his main priority has always been his health.
He said: "I watch everything I put in my mouth and work out daily. I was very lucky. When I was in the service, you had to work out. You had to do your drills and all your training. After seven years, it became part of my everyday custom."
