The doctor gives tips for a long, healthy life

What does it take to live to be 100 years old? This is a question that many researchers have tried to answer. Mercy Medical Center’s primary care physician, Dr. Jonathan Rich, said there are some simple things you can do to promote longevity. He often recommends that patients be social: find your network and connect with others. Additionally, pay attention to what you eat and think of it as a lifestyle by focusing on foods like the Mediterranean diet. Finally get started – even if it’s just 10 to 20 minutes a day. “A wonderful thing would be if you had a garden: you grow your own vegetables, you eat a vegetable and plant-based diet and you also do something physical because you have to take care of that garden properly.”, fairly regularly, maybe every day or several times a week with some physical activity. Keeping that in mind is something you want to do forever,” Rich said. Rich said another tip for extending life is to prioritize purpose and lifelong learning.