Healthy habits for longevity - Science and secrets for a healthy existence

What is the meaning of a long year sticking to bed? Survival is about learning the latest things and experiencing happiness in moments. Longevity is the period a person lives.

Global survival expectancy was 73 years in 2024. Among 8.7 thousand species in our surroundings, our culture has the power to create things and redesign them.

Scientific inventions have compelled us to crave. Technology has become an ally. So, why not use them to make our lives blissful? Let us adopt some healthy habits to enjoy our days on earth.

What is Health?

Health is not just about getting sick, it is about physical and mental fitness. Social well-being is also a part of health. Countless dimensions of health are readable with the latest technologies.

Physical Health

Physical health refers to doing daily activities flexibly, with optimum strength, and effortlessly.

A person is physically fit if his internal organs are working smoothly. He can perform basic functions without restriction.

Did you know? Globally, 31% of adults and 80% of teens fail to meet the suggested physical activity levels.

Mental Health

Mental health refers to proper brain functioning. It implies that a person can emotionally connect with another person. The person can understand, remember, make decisions, speak, move, hold things, and recognize names.

Did you know in India, 14% of people suffer from mental disorders. 26% of Americans above 18 years of age suffer from mental illness and depression.

A survey in 2019 recorded that 970 million people have depression, anxiety, and other brain diseases. Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease are some that elders above 80 struggle with.

Social Health

Each of us is surrounded by laptops, PCs, tablets, and smartphones. We hardly have time to meet with people and communicate with them.

33% of people worldwide are surrounded by loneliness and isolation.

According to the World Health Organization, education, communities, and pay levels create discrimination among individuals.

Science and Technologies - as health partners

Several applications, software, and wearable devices are ready to monitor the different parts of the body. An individual can count the number of steps, heartbeats, shedding calories, and sleep levels.

Smartwatches and Android phones have built-in technology to measure metrics. Find some devices that help you to detect your vitals below.

Smart Eyewear

Smart eyewear or smart glasses have sensors to

• Track eye movements

• Corrects vision

• Provides real-time health support

• Assist in surgeries

Nearly 49% of surgeons use them to reduce complications.

Pulse oximeters
Pulse oximeters were present in every household during the pandemic. They highlight the blood oxygen levels. They detect sleep apnea, an unusual breathing during sleep. 

Glucometers
Glucometers help diabetic people monitor their glucose levels during fasting and after meals. Some glucometers do not need to prick the finger to test the blood.

The constant use of glucometers reduces the complications associated with prediabetes and diabetes.

Blood Pressure monitors
One can count their blood pressure levels themselves, reducing hospital visits by 20%.

People with hypertension or fitness enthusiasts can use the device to keep an eye on their BP.

Sleep Trackers
Sleep trackers highlight sleep tendencies, like sleep duration, levels, and quality. They focus on sleep insufficiency for insomnia.  

A 2023 study suggested that 41% of users track their sleep using these devices globally.

Smart Air Purifiers
Smart air purifiers work indoors, detecting dust, pollutants, smoke, or odor. They clear any particles or smells that may affect normal respiration.

Smart air purifiers eliminate pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and allergens by 99%.

Simple habits for longevity

In our daily lives, we can make small changes to reap in the future Good meals, ample water, regular exercise, and enough sleep can make us thrive for several years. 

A Good Meal

Fill your plate with resh fruits, leafy vegetables, proteins, mineral-rich foods, and healthy fats meet our energy needs. 

Nuts, eggs, berries, whole grains, and yoghurt support mental health and emotional well-being.

Sleep as a priority

An 8-hour sleep can:

1. Refresh your brain and body
2. Recharges you
3. Builds immunity
4. Cell regeneration

Fun Fact: People in Japan have poor sleep as compared to its neighboring countries.

Water for Wellness

Water keeps the body in motion. It hydrates you, lubricates your joints, maintains bowel movements, and pushes out toxins, viruses, and pathogens.

In addition, it regulates normal temperature, supports digestion, and keeps the brain working normally. It eliminates constipation, helps smooth muscular movements, maintains a healthy weight, and helps the skin glow.

Water intake depends on physical exertion, gender, and the presence of external microorganisms.

Daily recommended water intake:

• Men - 3.7L
• Women - 2.7L
• Juices, coconut water, or soups

Fruits and vegetables meet 20% of our water requirements.

Active movements

A person can exercise in many ways. Walking, running, swimming, or freehand exercises are some to keep your joints flexible for the long run. 

An adult must do half an hour of exercise to stay fit naturally.

Overcome addiction
Addiction is a feeling of dependency on a substance. Smoking, excessive alcohol, or other toxic substances may give short-term relief, but they rob you of long-term health.

Substance abuse leads to 3 million deaths annually.

Routine health assessment
The World Health Organization suggests 60 percent of total deaths in the world are due to heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. These can be treated early through medicinal intervention. So, a consistent approach toward health through blood tests, screenings, and health analysis is essential.

Mingle socially

The feeling of isolation and loneliness shortens years. Staying in front of the touchscreens is good for work, but one must sneak out some time to meet friends and family. Stress, depression, or worries will vanish. Develop friendships, participate in offline events, and connect with elders around. The health benefits will work on both sides.

Bringing it together

Eat well, hydrate, exercise, sleep deep and keep aside stress. Meet people and engage in conversations. Science and technology have evolved along with our intelligence and needs. So, use them for healthy habits. Commit at present, cherish in the future!