Expert Gives Tips for a Healthier, Longer Life

It's been proven that the healthier you live, the longer your life tends to be.

Dozens of people visited the OASIS Senior Center in Corona del Mar last week to hear the facts firsthand from Kerry Burnight, an associate clinical professor and gerontologist at UC Irvine. Burnight explained that in Okinawa, Japan, Loma Linda, Calif., and Sardinia, Italy, people live very long and that studies have shown it's because the people there are active every day.

“We think we are active if we go to the gym three times a week," Burnight said. "Try to do something active for one hour seven days a week.” 

There are some simple options, including walking with a neighbor, vigorous gardening or energetic vacuuming. It's also important to eat healthful foods, she said. And to avoid becoming frail and weak too soon, she suggested strength exercises such as squeezing a rubber ball or lifting weights while watching television. (But be sure to check with a doctor first before attempting strength-building activities, she said.) Being active reduces depression and improves cognitive functioning, Burnight said.

But it's more than just having a balanced diet and exercising. Having strong personal relationships is also essential.

“Meaningful relationships are associated with long life. Diversify your social portfolio," Burnight explained. "Family is good, but make sure you have friends outside of family." 

Vicki Chinn and Melitta Borrmann attended the lecture said it was inspiring. 

"She put her heart and soul into what she was telling," Borrmann said. "It was a very good, very informative lecture."

Burnight also suggested developing neural activities such as learning a new language, taking up a musical instrument and dancing.  

Last, she talked about death, advising people to tell someone what to do if they are hospitalized and whether they want life-saving procedures used. 

“To die well, it takes work,” she said.  “It takes preparation, and it takes recognition.  We all are going to die, and that’s OK.” 

If you have any questions or want more tips about aging well, contact Kerry Burnight at 949-824-5011.