We are always interested in hearing the opinions of people who reach advanced ages. Learning what they believe the “trick” is to living a long life can be fascinating. Many people say it’s healthy living. Sometimes people claim it’s smoking cigarettes! Scientists often say it’s a mix of genetics and behavior.
Angela Lansbury died in her sleep at 96, five days before her 97 birthday. In 2018, she said, “I feel full of energy. I like a glass of wine and take a lot of vitamins. Perhaps that keeps me going.”
Red wine contains antioxidants that can prevent heart disease and heart attacks. The resveratrol in red wine can aid blood vessels and prevent blood clots. However, health experts do not currently recommend daily drinking for heart health. The harm it can do to the body may outweigh the benefits.
However, Ms. Lansbury didn’t say she was drinking daily; she said she enjoyed wine. Her words reveal a carefree attitude that may have served her well. Study after study has shown that your attitude toward aging impacts health as you age. The fact that Ms. Lansbury felt so full of energy may have acted as a feedback loop, helping her to age well!
You can get many vitamins through a healthy diet. However, there are certain vitamins and minerals that are hard to get enough of in your diet and daily life. Vitamin D is one we have written about extensively. In the colder months, it can be tough to reach your daily value of vitamin D. Being conscientious and remembering to take the vitamins you can’t get in your diet every day can help your overall health. Before adding supplements to your routine, we recommend speaking to your doctor.
In 1990, Ms. Lansbury made a home workout video called “Positive Moves.” She gave a lot of excellent advice in the video that has aged remarkably well. She demonstrated stretching and talked about the importance of walking. In the video, she laid out her diet of eating fruit for breakfast and having salads or a “salad sandwich” for lunch.
In the video, she taught body positivity before the term had been coined, saying, “Self acceptance is vital. Give yourself a break, there’s something to like in every body.”
Having a relaxed approach to life while still trying to take healthy steps to care for yourself may be the key. Ms. Lansbury brought millions of people pleasure in her roles in “Murder She Wrote,” “The Manchurian Candidate,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and many other classics. We’re so pleased she had such a full life filled with good health!
