How does where you live effect your mental and physical health? Part 1

Our community can be a source of strength, encouragement and promote healthy behaviours or it can contribute to the chronic stress in our lives.

When we look at statistics for healthy aging around the world, which we can use as a marker for physical health, interesting connections are highlighted.

 

1. Having a sense of community either religious, spiritual or family oriented.

2. A healthy diet that follows either a vegetarian or more Mediterranean flare with limited animal protein.

3. An emphasis on healthy lifestyle including daily exercise.

In communities where people are routinely living into their nineties the above are  common factors.  Some communities are in Japan, some in Italy, Greece, the United States and Canada.  It is less “where it is” and more of the community mindset.

Take a moment and reflect on your community.  What can you do to enhance the health behaviours of your community?