You won’t believe it, but these are some of the most important and EASIEST longevity steps to take for everyone of every age. Better yet, they are free or low-cost. The key idea here is to prevent damage to your brain and body to keep you living younger, longer 🙂
- Wear a helmet. A bump on the head now can create many cognitive challenges as you age.
- Avoid black mold. Mold has a very negative effect on brain and body. Steer clear of the stuff! If you have to go near it (for instance to clean it up) wear PPE so that you are not inhaling it. I have noticed some mold on a wall in my home and my spring project is to clean it and apply a coat of mold-reducing primer.
- Get a no-slip mat for the shower. I think this one sounds a bit ridiculous, but hear me out. A fall in the shower can create major problems. For younger people it may mean financial stresses and time out from work. For older people, it may mean a broken hip and reduced independence. Again, head injuries can show up later in life as undesired cognitive decline.
- Avoid falls by practicing your balance. I have eluded to this one already, but head injuries and concussion can cause short and long term damage. Even something as simple as slipping or losing your balance can cause pulled muscles. If you’re an exercise buff, single leg deadlift with shoulder press is a great way to practice balance. Another fun way to test is the shoe and sock challenge
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-11902641/The-sock-shoe-challenge-test-balance-protect-falls-injury.html
- Wear a seatbelt and keep your eyes on the road. This one is so terrifying I don’t even want to get in to details of how high speed impact damages the body.
A friend of mine got in to a car accident as a passenger. She took her seatbelt off to reach for something at the exact moment another vehicle hit the vehicle she was in. She flew out of the car and while it is a miracle she was alive, she has chronic back pain.
A girl I grew up with wasn’t wearing a seatbelt when she lost control of her vehicle and as a result suffered significant brain damage.
Stay safe on the road folks!! The first step in living a long, healthy, happy life is to stay alive!
ZenwithGwen 