Roger Wonson, a 100-year-old man, credits his long and healthy life to his passion for music, reducing food intake, and maintaining empathy. He celebrated his 100th birthday by playing the drums with his band, The Current Current, at his nursing home. Wonson believes that music has kept him positive throughout his life.
Wonson is proud of not fitting the stereotype of an old-fashioned person. He attributes his longevity to his cheerful personality and good genetics from his parents, both of whom lived to old age. He advocates for eating half portions of food, drinking plenty of water, and engaging in weight training to keep muscles toned.
Wonson practices weight lifting while watching TV to maintain balance and strength. He emphasizes not overexercising and recently reduced the weight he uses to prevent injury. His approach to eating is similar to the Japanese principle of stopping when 80% full, putting the bowl away while still slightly hungry. This allows the stomach time to signal to the brain that it is satisfied.
Empathy is key to Wonson’s relationships; he believes that understanding the other person’s perspective mitigates conflict. He emphasizes listening and respecting opinions to maintain harmony. Stress weakens the immune system, which can accelerate aging and lead to chronic conditions. Wonson’s approach to life focuses on finding joy in passions such as music, photography, lifelong learning through sources like Ted Talks.
In conclusion, Roger Wonson’s healthy lifestyle is a testament that anyone can achieve a long and healthy life with dedication towards their passions and taking care of themselves physically and mentally.