Push yourself, but don't go overboard
5. Live longer lesson: Eat less meat
Eat less meat. Even though Sardinia has plenty of sheep and hogs, the Buttaus eat meat only once or twice a week. Fish, cheese, bread and pasta -- along with vegetables from the garden make up the bulk of their diet.
6. Live longer lesson: Avoid excess
Don't drink too much, but don't drink too little either. With our lunch, we had a small glass (maybe 3 oz.) of red wine -- the Buttau's call it 'black wine'. There would be another at dinner and one more before bed. We can't all drink wine from our own vineyard, and lunch may not be the best place to enjoy a glass, but wine has been shown to be part of a healthy life.
7. Live longer lesson: Walk some more
Move through life. Just the simple task of walking up and down stairs or strolling a few blocks to do the shopping and visit a neighbour ensures that you'll burn calories and stay flexible. All that advice about parking the car at the far end of the lot and using the stairs instead of the elevator seems to be pointing in this direction: even if you're not in Sardinia, it's good to walk.
8. Live longer lesson: Challenge yourself
Make an effort. Sometimes it's fun to do something that's difficult. Using a muscle to the maximum encourages it to grow and people with more muscle mass are less vulnerable to injuries. Whether it's for your body or your mind, accept a new challenge.
If you asked different people who live in one of the world's Longevity Spots what they do to live longer, you'd probably get different answers. Okinawans might mention the value of never eating after you're full and Seventh Day Adventists might emphasize the importance of a spiritual life.
Perhaps what's most interesting is that the same things that seem to contribute to a long life also make for a very good life.
Get on board with growing older -- healthfully -- by adding 16 anti-aging foods to your diet.
Lynn Hoffman is the author of adventure-packed, woman-centred fiction such as Bang Bang and the wine book for beginners The New Short Course in Wine.
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