A doctor has shared what her 103-year-old patient said when asked about the secret to their long life
A doctor has shared a centenarian’s ‘secret’ to living to 100 years of age. For many, achieving a long and healthy life is the ultimate goal. People want to minimise their risk of chronic disease and maximise quality time spent with family and friends.
Taking to TikTok under the handle @Dr.tulsipatel, Dr Tulsi, who describes herself as an Emergency Medicine Locum Doctor, shared a tip that could help people live better for longer. Dr Tulsi recalled a memorable conversation that she’d had with a 103-year-old patient.
In her video, Dr Tulsi wrote: “Longevity Tips 101.” Explaining the tip, she said she had asked the centenarian what they believed was the secret to their long life, reports the Mirror.
Dr Tulsi shared: “Asked my 103-year-old patient… ‘What’s your secret?’ And do you know what they replied? ‘Having friends.’” While many factors contribute to longevity, the NHS acknowledges that strong relationships can help people live longer and happier lives. NHS England’s website explains: “Having close, positive relationships can give us a purpose and sense of belonging.
“Loneliness and isolation remain the key predictors for poor psychological and physical health. Having a lack of good relationships and long-term feelings of loneliness have been shown by a range of studies to be associated with higher rates of mortality, poor physical health outcomes and lower life satisfaction.”
Mayo Clinic also highlights the health benefits of good friendships. Advice on the website adds: “Friends also play a big role in your overall health. Adults with strong social connections have a lower risk of many health problems.
“That includes depression, high blood pressure and an unhealthy weight. In fact, studies have found that older adults who have close friends and healthy social supports are likely to live longer than do their peers who have fewer friends.”
Nonetheless, most people will experience loneliness at some point. The NHS says: “We can feel lonely in a busy city or rural location, on social media or spending time on our own or with others. Try not to feel embarrassed or ashamed if you do.”
The NHS Better Health website offers advice for dealing with loneliness. It’s advised to:
- Keep in touch with people
- Join a group
- Do things you enjoy
- Share your feelings
- Connect with others or volunteer to help
- Invite someone along to activities near you
Other factors commonly associated with a healthy lifestyle include eating a balanced diet, getting good sleep, reducing stress, and stopping or drinking less alcohol.
Always speak to a GP if you have any concerns about your mental or physical health. Support and resources are available for people dealing with loneliness. For instance, the Mind website has information about dealing with loneliness, and CALM runs a free phone line and web chat that’s open 5pm to midnight every day. Call 0800 58 58 58 for a confidential and anonymous chat.