On the same day that legendary actor Kirk Douglas, 103, passed away, my 85-year-old mother underwent major surgery. A surgery that was supposed to keep her in the hospital until at least today, and then an additional four to six months till her full recovery. They actually released her yesterday because she was doing so well and the Doctor is now expecting a much more rapid full recovery.

What is the point of connection I’m implying here? Well, I’ve long been fascinated by the mind-body connection and how your thoughts and feelings have such a huge influence on your health. Hypnotists, I am very pleased to say, have known this anecdotally for decades, but now the medical science research is beginning to catch up!

According to insurance actuaries, statistical life expectancy in the U.S. is about 80 years, but living into one’s 80s or 90s is becoming the norm for many people. As a matter of fact, the number of Centenarians (those who are 100 years old or more) is increasing by dramatic numbers. For example in 2015, 72,000 Americans were centenarians. The last time they were counted was the year 2000 and their number then was 50,000. That’s a 43% increase in just 15 years!

That news has spawned a rush on aging and longevity studies. WebMd.com recently commented on the increasing number of Centenarians and even speculated that 100 is new 80! (https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20180920/is-100-the-new-80-whats-it-take-to-live-longer) In the past longevity was just dismissed by some saying it’s just down to having the right “genes”, but the research is pointing to the fact that that is just not the case….

“We’ve extended life expectancy almost a third of a century [in that time], and that’s mostly from environment,” says Claudia Kawas, MD, who co-leads The 90+ Study at University of California Irvine. Her study explores aging well and dementia in people 90 years old and up you can find more details here – http://www.mind.uci.edu/research-studies/90plus-study/

Northwestern University is leading the research on longevity and they have coined the phrase “ SuperAger” That’s someone in their 80’s or older who shows the cognitive function of what is expected in the average middle-aged person! Plus, they are exhibiting less brain volume loss than would otherwise, be expected!

So, where the brain goes, the body follows! Hypnosis has been committed to that concept since the founding of the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH.net) back in 1950! A good hypnotist has all the skills to lead you to and through the four key habits that all the Northwestern Medical study participants exhibited –  https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/4-habits-super-agers

I’ll quote from the above-linked article –

“1.  SuperAgers live an active lifestyle. Staying active is one of the best things you can do as you age.

2.  SuperAgers continue to challenge themselves. Mental activity can be just as important as physical activity.

3.  SuperAgers are social butterflies. SuperAgers tend to report strong social relationships with others,

4.  SuperAgers indulge. Yes, you read that correctly. Dr. Rogalski’s SuperAgers included individuals who are fitness buffs and those who indulge in a nightcap every evening. They also indulged in an occasional glass of alcohol; moderate drinkers were 23 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or signs of memory problems than nondrinkers.”

My mother woke up in recovery after several hours of anesthesia (after a grueling surgery in which they removed bone and replaced it with metal) bright-eyed and fully cognizant, as if she had woken from a peaceful nap. One of her first post-operation questions for her Surgeon was “How soon can I get back on my Trampoline?” Yes, she jumps almost every day, does Sudoku and crosswords like a wizard and is always the Belle of the Ball.

I sure hope to grow up to be just like her one day.

So, as you can see, growing old can be a lot more interesting and joyful than ever before! Want to grow old and have fun with me? Call now or schedule your free consultation at FamilyFirstHypnosis.com!