Amid a flood of health information on television, podcasts, social media, and news websites, the public can easily become overwhelmed. However, Doctor Ezekiel Emanuel, a leading oncologist and bioethicist at the University of Pennsylvania (US), suggests that healthy aging can be simplified into 6 scientifically proven principles.
Principle thu nhat: "Don't be foolish" - Avoid dangerous behaviors
"Don't be foolish" is the principle thu nhat Doctor Emanuel introduced in his book, "Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life".
"Don't do stupid things," Doctor Emanuel shared on the ZOE Science & Nutrition podcast, adding that this was a phrase his father often used to remind his three brothers whenever they did something foolish.
His brothers include former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and powerful artist manager Ari Emanuel. Doctor Emanuel pointed out that clearly high-risk activities such as skydiving, climbing Mount Everest, or habits like smoking and using e-cigarettes are manifestations of foolishness because they carry significant mortality risks.
Principle thu hai: Prioritize social life - Loneliness as toxic as smoking 15 cigarettes/day
Emanuel asserted that maintaining connection with people is a key to longevity. "Our entire brain is structured around social interactions, and it brings us much more value than that," he said.
According to him, being isolated or living alone "has an equivalent detrimental effect to smoking 15 cigarettes daily." Both close relationships and daily social interactions contribute to improving quality of life.
Principle thu ba: Keep the brain active with new hobbies and learning opportunities
Constantly challenging the brain helps keep the mind sharp and youthful. Instead of falling into familiar routines, actively learning new skills, exploring new recipes, or engaging in deep conversations stimulates thinking and maintains brain function as age increases.
4th Principle: Eat healthy but not too strictly
Many people become obsessed with extreme dieting, but Doctor Emanuel believes this goes against nature. "Biologically, humans operate on a mechanism of homeostasis - a balance between two extremes," he explained.
His advice is to limit processed foods and sugary drinks, but without overly strict abstinence. Emanuel himself does not drink alcohol, but his wife enjoys cocktails, and they still serve alcoholic beverages to guests when hosting parties. However, he noted: Don't drink alcohol alone, and don't use alcohol to drown sorrows or avoid personal problems.
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The human body thrives best when maintaining a routine of moderate and regular physical activity every day. Nguyen Dong |
The human body thrives best when maintaining a routine of moderate and regular physical activity every day. Nguyen Dong
5th Principle: Maintain moderate exercise and physical activity
There is no need to engage in exhausting high-intensity workouts. The human body thrives best when maintaining a routine of moderate and regular physical activity every day, such as taking a gentle stroll after each meal or maintaining active physical tasks in daily life.
6th Principle: Ensure quality and timely sleep
Sleep plays a role in restoring the entire body system and brain after a day of activity. Cultivating the habit of sufficient and timely sleep helps balance hormones, reduces stress, and protects the body from the risk of chronic diseases.
When asked where people who haven't adopted these habits should start, Doctor Emanuel proposed a simple solution that integrates almost all 6 principles: Host dinner parties at home.
"You cook yourself, meaning you and your guests enjoy delicious, healthy food. You challenge your brain by exploring new recipes. You invite people to your home for social connection and stimulate thinking with quality conversations. When it's over, you go for a walk for additional physical activity," he said.
He believes this is like fully implementing most elements of health care. That's something that can be done mot time each week on weekends... And you will definitely feel happier.
My Y (According to Fox News)
