Secret to Longevity?

It was only yesterday that I was at a talk at SJBA listening to Sis. Theresa Hsu (read profile at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theresa_Hsu_Chih/), a 112-year-old lady who behaves like a 70-year-old woman. Very healthy and I think might be able to live up to 120 years old. But what's the secret?

According to her, 'Laugther Is The Best Medicine', which is true. She is an extremely jovial person, telling jokes throughout the night. I believe that she always laughs off her worries and upsets. Scientifically, being jovial helps us to maintain a steady blood pressure. Being angry and emotionally upset only increases your blood pressure, leading to heightened risk of stroke, heart attack etc etc.

[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theresa_Hsu_Chih]

Another reason why she can still stay healthy at that age is because of her she stays active physically, mentally, socially and emotionally

As it is, she's still doing charity at 112. Quite a feat considering that we see so many people falling terribly sick at 60. It keeps her mentally and socially active since she meets a lot of people and it's really not easy running a charitable foundation. She also does meditation to keep herself emotionally calm and peaceful.

[Adopted from: http://seniorsaloud.blogspot.com/]

Aside from that, she keeps herself physically healthy by practicing yoga. Her flexibility can really beat my flexibility by a mile! Other than all the exercise, there is no denying that a healthy diet is very important for health. According to wikipedia, she eats modestly but she claims that she likes to eat vanilla ice-cream! A documentary that I watched some time ago talked about a place in Japan called Okinawa. Here, there is a disproportionately high percentage of people above the age of 80. Their secret? Eating only until you're half-full. According to the documentary, there's scientific proof to it. But I just can't remember what the facts were :(

So the secret to longevity?

1. Laughter the best medicine
2. Staying active, physically, mentally, socially and emotionally

So, I'll see you all 100 years from now :D