It seems like we’re always looking for the key to longevity. Some attribute living a long life to never getting married, others to genetics. There are several theories out there.
But there is one woman who says she found the one, true answer. What’s more, is that she is supported by scientific evidence!
So if you’re looking for answers, look no further.
108-year-old Dorothy Flowers of North Yorkshire, England has lived through some very significant events in world history.
She was alive for two world wars, the first person to walk on the moon, and the evolution from radio to television, amongst other notable, historic moments.
Flowers may not have seen it all but she’s pretty close. So when she decides to share her wisdom, don’t take it lightly!
Flowers says that the key to her long life is taking down a glass of champagne every once in a while.
Yep, she says alcohol is the answer.
Take note, it is on occasion!
It may sound too good to be true but it seems like Flowers just may be on to something. Despite her being a living testament to this claim, science also supports this advice.
The 90+ Study, an ongoing project by the University of California at Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, looks at different lifestyle habits to determine how they affect longevity.
The study found that daily wine drinkers live longer than those who refrain from it.
Not a fan of wine? No problem. The study also found that those who drank two glasses of wine or beer had an 18% reduced risk of premature death than those who did not drink at all.
Dana Greenia, a co-investigator of the study, wrote:
“Simply, people who drank moderate amounts of alcohol or coffee lived longer than those who abstained.”
The study began in 2003 and includes more than 1,300 participants.
Dr. Claudia Kawas, a geriatric neurologist and co-director of the study, added that “regular exercise, social and cognitive engagement, and moderate coffee consumption also lead to longer lifespans.”
The benefits of drinking wine doesn’t stop there. Another study found that the antioxidants in wine can benefit the overall health of your teeth.
These benefits include the prevention of tooth and gum decay.
Researchers at the Spanish National Research Council in Madrid found that “antioxidants in red wine prevented plaque-causing bacteria from sticking to gum tissue.”
It sounds like Flowers is really onto something!
Besides having a bit of alcohol to commemorate her 108th birthday, the nursing home where she resides (Southlands Care Home), put out a call for birthday cards.
They were aiming for 108 cards but received more than 650!
Although, Flowers never had any children of her own but remained close to her niece, Judith.
Judith explained that although her aunt can no longer speak, she shows her gratitude in other ways.
“While she’s not able to speak anymore, the smile on her face said it all.”
Resident Manager at Southlands, Helene Ballinger, has seen first-hand Flowers’ love for champagne.
“It’s the only thing we ever see her finish a glass of,” she said.
Well, there you have it, folks! Grab yourself a glass or two and expect to live a bit longer than those who don’t.
Cheers!
(Please drink responsibly!)
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