As we age, the quest for longevity becomes more pressing, and finding ways to maintain our health and vitality is a top priority for many of us in the over 60s community. It's not just about adding years to our life, but life to our years. Fortunately, experts are continually researching and discovering habits that can contribute to a longer and healthier life. One such expert, Leslie Kenny, a longevity specialist and CEO of Oxford Healthspan, has shared some invaluable insights that could help us steer clear of the common pitfalls associated with ageing.


One of the most intriguing recommendations from Kenny is the incorporation of a 'floor culture' into our daily routine. This concept, which is prevalent in countries like Japan, involves performing activities such as eating and resting while seated on the floor. The simple act of getting up and down from the floor multiple times a day can significantly improve lower body strength and balance. These are critical factors in preventing falls and reducing frailty in later life.


'Getting up and down off the floor several times a day actually builds lower body strength and refines balance, both of which help protect against falls and later life frailty,' Kenny explains. This floor exercise doesn't require any special equipment or gym membership, making it an accessible and easy-to-implement practice for seniors.


In addition to the floor exercise, Kenny suggests a couple of other lifestyle tweaks that could have a profound impact on our health. One such habit is taking cold showers. While the thought of stepping into a cold shower might send shivers down your spine, the health benefits are worth considering. Kenny cites research from the Netherlands indicating that cold showers can stimulate the immune system. In fact, the 2018 study found that individuals who took cold showers were 29% less likely to call in sick compared to those who took hot showers.

If the idea of a cold shower is too daunting, Kenny offers a practical tip: start with a hot shower to relax and cleanse, then switch to the coldest setting for the final moments while mentally preparing for the day ahead. This practice not only invigorates the body but also sets a positive tone for the day's challenges.

Lastly, Kenny emphasises the importance of diet in longevity, specifically the intake of spermidine. This compound, which the body naturally produces, plays a role in immunity, cell renewal, and autophagy—the process of breaking down and recycling damaged or unnecessary cell parts. As we age, our bodies produce less spermidine, but we can boost our levels by consuming foods rich in this compound. Kenny recommends incorporating mushrooms, greens, fermented foods, or hard, mature cheese into your daily diet to increase your spermidine intake.


At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of practical and achievable health advice. Kenny's recommendations offer simple yet effective ways to enhance our well-being. Whether it's adopting a floor culture, braving cold showers, or tweaking our diets, these habits could be the key to unlocking a longer, healthier life.
We'd love to hear from our members about their experiences with these longevity tips. Have you tried any of Kenny's suggestions, or do you have your own secrets to a long and healthy life? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below!