The Hobby That Leads to a Longer Life
A hobby is more than a way to pass the time. It may be a way to get more of it.
Know which hobby has probably added years to the longest-lived people in the world? It's gardening. Okinawans -- whose men typically live to age 78, women to age 86 -- have a long tradition of working with soil.
Flex Your Green Thumb
The benefits of gardening reach body and soul, according to Dan Buettner and his book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest. "It's a source of daily physical activity that exercises the body with a wide range of motion and helps reduce stress," he writes. So, as the ground thaws and the seed catalogues start arriving, make a pact to plan -- and plant -- a plot this year.
Grow for Years
It's not a coincidence: There are lots of other wonderful side benefits to gardening besides the body and mind boost. Here are the other garden goodies Buettner notes in his book:
- A veggie-packed life. Okinawan centenarians eat a plant-based diet, often incorporating vegetables that they grow. Feast your way slender with this easy weight loss plan by the YOU Docs.
- A bit of sun. Vitamin D, produced by the body when it's exposed to sunlight, promotes stronger bones and better health. Vitamin D also helps your body fight cancer.
- A dash of spice. Mugwort, ginger, and turmeric are staples of an Okinawan garden, and all have proven medicinal qualities.
Older Okinawans are active gardeners and walkers. Walk your way to a healthier, fitter, slimmer you with this workout tracker.
RealAge Benefit:
A physical activity program that builds stamina, strength, and flexibility can make your RealAge as much as 8.1 years younger.The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. Buettner, D., Washington, DC: National Geographic Society, 2008.
