Congregation Beth El and Hazak ‘Got Healthy’ on Sunday, Nov. 1 when Hazak hosted a program exploring the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to achieve longevity. Approximately 80 people attended.
The morning began with a breakfast buffet that included healthy homemade mini-muffins and granola, as well as a yogurt bar.
Sandra Porter Leon, professor at Tidewater Community College and nutrition consultant, provided information about the many lifestyle habits that play a role in longevity, focusing on the clusters of Centenarians that live around the world. She began her talk with an American woman, Harriet Thompson, who at 92 is the oldest woman to finish a marathon. She started running when she was 76.
Porter Leon emphasized the benefits of a plant-based diet, the “magic bullet for anti-aging,” specifically the thousands of phytochemicals that play a role in reducing inflammation and bolstering immune systems, as well as the pros and cons of nutritional supplements. She spoke about some of the common lifestyles that exist among Centenarians in cultures from Italy to Japan to United States. Even in these diverse cultures, spirituality, a sense of purpose, and meaningful relationships play an important role in longevity.
Some tips for maintaining well-being include: Do something enjoyable, drink wine, walk, laugh, be part of a group, be of service, give back, and “everything in moderation, even moderation.”
Porter Leon concluded with, “It’s not just the number of years, but also the quality of life you achieve.”