Longevity lessons from my 100-year-old grandfather

Longevity is a topic that has always fascinated humanity. What is its secret and how to reach it? There is hardly an exact recipe and answer valid for every person. Nevertheless, we humans continue to peer with interest into the lives of those who have reached a venerable age, hoping to learn more about their habits and mindsets. One thing is certainly true – there is much to learn from them.

Meet Natalie. She talks about her grandfather Stan, who had a difficult life. She shares his “longevity lessons” as a way to celebrate his 100th birthday with her blog readers.

Longevity lessons from my 100-year-old grandfather A few years ago, I discovered Blue Zones, an organization that has mapped the geographic locations around the world with the healthiest and longest-lived populations. The goal of this is to inspire individuals, and communities as a whole, to improve their lifestyles and surroundings in order to live longer and healthier lives. What the organization comes to as conclusions in its longevity research is not far from what I have learned over the years about healthy living and whole body care – follow the body’s natural need for movement, don’t overeat, eat mostly plant-based foods, find purpose in your life, prioritize rest, socialize with people who have similar healthy habits and

keep in touch with your loved ones. I didn’t realize it right away, but the inspiration that Blue Zones filled me with has impacted my entire life. My grandfather Stan, who recently turned 100, is a World War II veteran. He was a medic at the front, and now he is the only centenarian in his community. This is an extraordinary achievement. While I was growing up my grandfather consciously and unconsciously passed on to me the owl lessons of longevity and fortitude. I began to collect these precious

Moments. Each paragraph below is a memorable story that contains a profound lesson.

Hold hands and climb the stairs As a WWII veteran, my grandfather was involved with the 90th Infantry Division reunions that were held annually at various locations throughout the United States. I had the honor of attending many of these patriotic reunions beginning in my teens through my early thirties. One year we flew together from Chicago to Fort Worth, Dallas. Walking through the airport, he took my hand and smiled. The kisses,

Hugs, holding hands, tickling were a normal part of our communication. Performing this gesture in public made me feel safe, made me feel loved. Seeing his World War II hat, people would often come up to him saying “Thank you for your service” and want to shake his hand. I beamed with pride with teary eyes as we walked through the airport. We were faced with a choice – the stairs or the escalator:

– Grandpa, which do you prefer?”, I asked.

Without hesitation, he replied:

“Let’s go upstairs, honey.”

He was 93 years old at the time, without a walker or cane.

Park at the back

When we were out with Grandpa, he always parked the car in the back to throw up a little or even run for a short while. Once we got out of the car, he would immediately look at me with a slight smile and challenge me to rush to the front door. Even though I was a pretty fast kid, I have no recollection of ever winning a race like that.

Walks after dinner

I lived only 30 minutes from my grandparents’ house, so we often got together to eat. After dinner, I knew Grandpa would ask for one of his favorite ice cream flavors for dessert. We didn’t go to the store in the car. He would put on his sneakers and ask who wanted to go for a walk with him. Remembering those evenings now, I remember that I never

felt sleepy or heavy after eating at grandparents. We aided her digestion with movement.

Just one or two drinks

I was too young to drink with him, but I remember Grandpa drinking alcohol. He used to prepare the drinks without hurrying. I rarely saw him have more than two drinks, but he never missed an occasion. He drank certain liquor on different days of the week, like pizza and beer one day, salmon and wine another, etc. Grandfather always consumed alcohol only at meals.

Keep your balance

Grandpa was not only a walker and runner, but he also loved to play with me. He was always motivating me to do some exercise, supposedly at play. Often he would challenge me and we would race each other while having a great time.

Dance and drink

My grandparents were exceptional dancers. They gathered eyes on the dance floor. Whenever I had the opportunity – a holiday gathering, a party or at one of his reunions with other veterans, I never missed a chance to dance with him. Grandpa would usually tango along with the song as he gently led me to the next move or step. I just

I smiled and looked at him in wonder the whole time. He also loves to sing, he even sang at his 100th birthday party. We often had karaoke parties together, and Frank Sinatra is one of his favorite artists.

Move boldly

Usually as people get older, most people avoid certain movements. Grandpa keeps lying down, standing up, bending over and squatting to put on shoes, repair something, tidy up or clean up. Rarely will you see him just sitting in his chair. Thus he has retained his flexibility and excellent balance to this day.

Exercises in bed

My grandparents loved to travel together, especially in Europe and around Alaska. I was fortunate to travel with them several times. On one of our trips we shared a hotel room with twin beds. I usually woke up at the same time he did (I was always up early) and watched him do his gymnastics in bed, still in his pajamas, before putting on his glasses or hearing aids. Leg lifts, arm circles, bike rides. His breathing would quicken and his face would flush slightly. As a 12-year-old I wondered what Grandpa was doing, but now I know he understood the importance of taking care of the body.

Keep going outside

Grandpa knew I did a lot of work as an outdoor instructor and wilderness guide for youth. He would always say to me, “Keep getting the kids outside.” With clenched fists, closed eyes and sincerity in his voice. It makes me proud and gives me extra motivation that someone in my family supports me and understands that what I do is important.

Share

My grandfather lectured at Chicago universities and schools to share his experiences from the beginning of World War II, as a military aide and medic in a number of important battles. Although the subject matter was heavy and emotional, he somehow found a way to make his listeners laugh. I think it was very helpful to

his mental health and his spirit, that he did not keep these stories to himself, but shared them and talked about them.

Don’t eat too much

Grandpa Stan always had a good appetite and a healthy metabolism. He rarely spoke at the beginning of a meal so he could focus on the food. He kept telling me not to overeat, to choose quality food and not to snack unnecessarily before main meals. Even to this day, he gets passionately indignant when he comes across a late night commercial for

junk food.

Clean your mouth

After the war, my grandfather worked in a dental laboratory where I guess he learned more about how to take care of his teeth and overall oral health. He made sure to use a toothpaste that contained baking soda, mouthwash and floss. To this day he has no missing teeth, has very few fillings and enjoys a beautiful

Smile.

Don’t sleep much and keep moving

“Go wild, sleep less during the day and more at night”- his drive to stay active was alive throughout his life. Even when I ask my mother, who is almost 70, she says she remembers her father running around the block as a 10-year-old girl, and neighbors wondering what he was doing and why. Grandpa emphasized the daily

exercises and gave “the work of the heart”.

Enjoy the joy of travel

I could tell that Grandpa loved being home, adored his wife, raised his four children and took care of his yard and garden, but he and my grandmother felt especially happy when they traveled. They seemed to come alive even more and were filled with energy. They didn’t miss an opportunity, they used all kinds of transport without worry and enjoyed

maximum on every trip.

Jokes at dinner

After a celebratory dinner, Grandpa Stan had my younger cousin and me read jokes (written by other elementary school kids) clipped from the local newspaper. Standing next to him at the front of the table, we took turns reading and thus entertaining our family while they finished a divine home-cooked meal prepared by my Grandma Grace. Most

The jokes were silly, definitely not among the funniest jokes you’ve ever heard, but we did it because Grandpa wanted it that way. Looking back I think it was his way of expressing his love of humor, simple pleasures, the joy of being together. It gave us an opportunity to learn to speak in front of people.

Love for the family

Dear Grandpa Stan,

Happy, happy 100th birthday! I dedicate this article to you.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our country during the

World War II! Thank you for your positive and

loving influence in my life, from a little girl until now.

From you I learned how important it is to move my body, to have fun, to

play outside, eat good food, joke and laugh, give

Prioritize sleep, enjoy drinks in moderation,

to take care of my body, to go out and travel, to share life’s

my experience and keep my family close to me.

To celebrate your birthday is a great joy for me, as well as to live

your life based on the wisdom you have imparted to me. I hold you close

to your heart and I can’t wait to visit you again soon!

With all my love,

your granddaughter,

Natalie

Source:Natalie Jackson Wellness Blog