My Great-Grandaunt Followed These 7 Habits to Become a Centenarian
Stupid simple habits that kept my great-grandaunt in good health for 110 years.
Recently I wrote an article about longevity. It was about the growth hormone FGF21 that can increase your lifespan.
I was explaining it to my uncle when he told me that his aunt was in fact a centenarian.
I asked him about her. He reminded me that I have met her on a summer vacation when I was a little girl. Sadly I wasn’t able to picture her face.
Kauran Devi Jain was born in 1898 and died in 2008 at the age of 110. She was free of all lifestyle and genetic diseases.
So, I put on my research hat and went digging into her daily routine and life. Here is what she did to become a centenarian
1. Beat this deadly disease
My great-grandaunt lived in a well-connected community. In their neighborhood, everyone knew everyone.
She was referred to as grandma (dadi) by all her neighbors. Women used to come over in the evenings to get the recipes for her delicious dishes.
People would stop by to enquire about her health daily. She had a lot of fan following, cheering for her.
She had found the support she needed to battle loneliness.
Lonliness can shorten your life by 15 years, its effects are as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.
What you can do
Pandemic has affected our social life. Most people battled with loneliness during lockdowns, but you need to find a way to stay connected even in those dire times.
You need to be socially active for better mental health.
Creating a strong community can help you ward off loneliness. Gossip with your friends regularly. Meet up with your gang once every week.
No matter how busy your life gets don’t forget your friends and family.
2. She followed this diet strictly
My great-grandaunt was a devout Jain. The message of Jainism is, “Live and let others live”. So, Jainism preaches a vegetarian diet.
She was a Lacto vegetarian her whole life. She had never eaten eggs, fish, or meat in her life.
This study found that a vegetarian diet can increase a man’s life by 10 years and a woman’s by 6 years.
Her diet was full of fiber and plant-based protein, both of which have been proven to improve longevity.
She was thin her whole life. She didn’t have any diet-related deficiencies or illnesses. She maintained a healthy weight thanks to her diet.
Her chances of obesity and obesity-related illnesses were fewer thanks to her organic meat-free diet.
What you can do
You don’t need to give up meat completely to increase your life. Meat is also linked with longevity, so it's safe.
Moderation is the key. You need to add other healthy foods to your diet for a well-balanced diet.
Eat more plant-based protein and fiber. Add legumes, beans, fruits, and vegetables to your daily diet.
3. Conquer these relationships for a healthy life
My great-grandaunt took her last breath in her home surrounded by her family. She lived her long life with her family.
In India, joint families are big. Three or more generations living under the same roof is a common thing in India.
I live in a joint family as well. I lived with my grandmother till she died in 2020.
My great-grandaunt lived with her son, grandson, and his son, and her great grand-child. That’s five-generation under one roof. She lived with them till the time she died.
She lived with people who adored and loved her.
Eight decades long research proves that deep and meaningful relationships can boost health, happiness and longivity.
What you can do
Families are tricky. You love them even when you don’t like them.
Curating strong relationships with family members is a difficult task if you come from a broken home.
But, you need to take a step to let go of the past. Be the bigger person and reach out.
You may not be welcomed but at least you will sleep well at night knowing that you tried.
4. The only way out of retirement
My great-grandaunt was a self-sufficient lady. She didn’t have any help till the age of 104. She contributed to the household chores and did the cooking herself.
She was devoted to her family so she liked to cook for them. She made dinner daily till her health permitted her.
She was also an expert knitter, who made many creative sweaters, and booties for all her grandchildren.
This study found that working in old-age can help you boost longevity and health.
Most of the time she was in the kitchen, if not you can find her in her room knitting or doing something creative.
She kept busy. She never let age stop her from doing her chores. She was an active person who used to keep her mind busy.
What you can do
Keeping busy will help you keep your mind busy too. Someone who has lived till eighty knows that death is just around the corner.
Can you imagine living 26 years with the fear of death? You will kill yourself with pessimism and nihilism.
So, it is essential to love your work and have hobbies. A lot of hobbies will keep you busy in retirement.
5. Do this non-negotiable thing daily
My great-grandaunt loved walking just like me. She used to take two walks daily. A morning walk at sunrise and an evening walk after her dinner.
She used to take these two walks on her veranda daily. Housework, walks, cooking, and gardening were a constant in her life.
This study found out that older people who took more than 4400 steps daily lived a longer and healthier life as compared to those who walked less.
She walked daily for at least 20 minutes without fail. Consistent walks are linked with higher life expectancy and better brain function.
She had a healthy brain and body till her last breath. Living an active life is truly the best way to increase your chances of longevity.
What you can do
An active life will guarantee a healthy old age.
Daily step count is your biggest ally in the fight against the sedentary living. You need to set an aim of daily steps and walk your way to victory.
Walking is the easiest exercise. You don’t need any equipment or a gym membership. So start walking today.
6. Follow this daily practice to become a centenarian
Intermittent fasting is big in Jainism. Eating the last meal before sundown is a religious practice that many Jains follow.
My great aunt followed it daily. She always had her dinner before sunset. At night she only drank water. So, she fasted daily for at least 14 hours.
This study found that intermittent fasting can reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
My religion supports Intermittent fasting for more than just its health benefits.
You can learn self-control and self-discipline by practicing Intermittent fasting.
What you can do
Jainism has been preaching intermittent fasting for centuries. So, it is not a new lifestyle hack but ancient knowledge.
Intermittent fasting boost cognitive health protects the tissues and improves physical performance.
You can start with a 12-hour fast. It is the easiest. Eat an early dinner, and eat breakfast after a 12-hour fast has been observed.
You can drink water, tea, and coffee during the fast, but try to avoid coffee and caffeinated teas at night.
7. Take the controversial stance
My great-grandaunt was a devout Jain. She followed all the rules of Jainism.
According to this study religious people lived for four years longer than the non-religious people. Many religions promote stress reducing activities that improve health and longevity.
Samayak is a self-reflective practice in Jainism. You have to sit quietly in one place for 48 minutes. You can use this time to advance your spiritual journey by meditating, reading religious books, or chanting mantras.
She used to do this practice daily. Solitude is necessary, your mental well-being will suffer greatly if you don’t give your mind this time.
She used to read and meditate during her samayak daily. Both reading and meditation are linked with better brain function.
Meditation can also help you develop a positive attitude towards life.
What you can do
It is okay if you are not a religious person, you can still live a long healthy life.
But you need to add stress-reducing activities to your life. Practice mindfulness daily.
Meditate, read or practice solitude on your own.
Takeaway
No one can guarantee you a long life. But you can change your lifestyle today for better quality and quantity of life.
My great-grandaunt followed these seven habits daily to live a long life. Add these habits to your life for better health.
- Do an intermittent fast daily.
- Every step count for better health.
- Find new hobbies that will keep you busy.
- Build a strong relationship with your family.
- Eat a well-balanced diet full of fiber and plant-based protein.
- Live in a well-connected community
- Practice mindfulness for spiritual growth.
For more stories on health and fitness sent straight to your inbox, subscribe here.
If you enjoy reading my stories and want to support me as a writer, consider signing up to become a Medium member. It only costs $5 per month. By signing up with this link, you’ll support me directly with a portion of your fee, but it won’t cost you more. Thank you!