How to slow down aging: 6 changes in the home that promote longevity

0

How does the height of furniture, the presence of indoor plants and the location of the TV affect longevity? Everything is very simple. When it comes to longevity, a lot of attention is paid to proper nutrition and physical activity. However, the environment in which a person lives plays a significant role. Long-lived people arrange their homes so that the interior promotes healthy habits.

“If we had to learn one key longevity lesson from the 'blue zone' regions, the places where the longest-lived people on Earth live, it's this that these people live in an environment that subconsciously pushes them toward healthier behaviors, such as moving more and eating vegetables,” says longevity expert Dan Buettner.

Another longevity expert, Ryan Frederick, believes that home design can increase life expectancy. Experts believe that at least six changes in the house will help slow down aging.

Place the TV outside the kitchen

Studies have shown that people usually eat more if they watch TV at the same time as a meal. In addition, if you have to walk a long distance or even go down the stairs to get to the kitchen from the TV room, the likelihood of frequent and mindless snacking is reduced. But even in the case of frequent meals in such an environment, physical activity increases.

Put a large table in the kitchen for family members and guests

Sharing food with to others, it's an easy way to become more conscious about food. In company, a person eats more slowly, thanks to which the signal of satiety reaches the brain in time, and the risk of overeating decreases. In addition, it is known that high socialization in old age helps preserve cognitive functions and, therefore, contributes to longevity.

Organize a garden on the plot or in the apartment

Even if it is not possible to buy a garden plot, you can grow some vegetables and herbs right in the apartment. “Gardening is what we see in each of the 'blue zones,' where people well into their 90s continue to care for plants,” says Büttner. This has the triple effect of encouraging people to spend more time outdoors, to be active, and to eat more fresh food. In addition, it is recommended to start indoor plants. Some species remove harmful substances from the air and reduce stress.

Buy low furniture and rugs

Low furniture and the presence of areas for relaxation on the floor is another useful change in the interior that will help slow down aging. Low sofas, armchairs and chairs will help to avoid falls that endanger longevity. And sitting on the floor allows you to improve balance, strengthen bones and muscle corset. After all, it takes more strength to sit on the floor or get up from it. It's basically like a squat. Low furniture is also good for training muscles and bones.

Protect the bathroom from slipping

Bathrooms occupy one of the first lines in list of places where people tend to fall. To prevent this, it is suggested to put rugs on the floor, attach handrails to the walls in the shower, or even put a small bench there, if space allows. A bath is inferior to a shower cabin, as it is more traumatic and restricts movement.

Creating a calm and sleep-friendly atmosphere in the bedroom

Good sleep is the most important factor in longevity. During proper sleep, the body recovers, cognitive functions improve, and the risk of some deadly diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, decreases. Frederik suggests putting thick curtains on the windows so that excess light does not interfere with sleep. And regular dusting and making the bed will help not only to create a calm space, but also increase physical activity.