Expert weighs in: Top Secret for a Long Life

Mental health and longevity are closely linked, as you may not be aware. “Our bodies and minds don’t exist apart, so it’s not surprising that our mental health is closely related to our physical health, especially as it relates to aging.” Regina KoeppDr., a board-certified clinical psychologist who is also the founder of The Center for Mental Health and AgingYahoo Life tells a friend.

Her advice is to work on both your mental and physical health, as well as improving your mental health. She says that maintaining your mental health is key to a happy, fulfilled, and long-lasting life. It’s easier than you think to improve your mental health if you follow the steps Koepp suggests.

1. Use purpose-based activities.

Good mental health can be fostered by engaging in purpose-based activities such as volunteering, hobbies and spiritual practice. Why? They lower your stress levels, which decreases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, heart attacks and depression, Koepp says. Koepp states that this is one her favorite tips for improving mental health. It’s easy to do.

2. Move often.

Koepp states that people who are physically active have a lower chance of developing heart disease or cognitive decline. She also notes that “Stretching” is not enough. Koepp suggests that you do moderate activity for 30 minutes five days per week. Strength-based activities such as lifting weights are also recommended. Koepp explained that this will increase the production of the positive feel-good hormones endorphins as well as decrease your chance of developing depression. To make sure you are comfortable with any new exercise routine, it is a good idea to check with your doctor first.

3. Healthy foods are a great way to get your energy up.

Koepp suggests a diet that focuses primarily on plant-based food. But Koepp recommends eating foods rich in fiber along with lots of “key foods”, like blueberries, legumes, spinach and other nuts.

Healthy eating habits can improve blood pressure [and] Koepp states that cholesterol can help lower the risk of stroke, diabetes, and depression.

4. Get good, regular sleep.

“Koepp believes that getting good sleep is important for brain health as well as physical health, particularly as we age.” The following recommendations are current from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention According to the CDC most adults should get at least seven hours sleep per night.

Koepp suggests that you create a bedtime routine in order to get the best sleep possible. This includes avoiding screen time at night, keeping your bedroom dark, and keeping it cool. It is important to go to sleep at the same hour every night, and get up the same morning. You will get the best sleep results if you do this.

5. Maintain a positive attitude about aging.

Koepp believes there are many false stereotypes about the aging process. She says that studies have shown that people with a positive view of aging live seven-and-a-half years longer than those who have a negative view. If you are prone to negative stereotypes about aging then change them. [and] You can counter this stereotype with another idea.

Her advice: Try to stop making negative statements about yourself and linking it to aging — like saying that your left hip is hurting “because I’m getting old.” Remember that your right hip is not hurting and is as old as you are. “Change the story,” she suggests.

Koepp states that focusing on the positive will boost self-esteem and reduce anxiety and stress.