5 Secret Rules of Nuns That Will Help You Live to 100 and Keep Your Mind 0 22

Researchers from different countries have been trying for many years to understand how to slow down dementia or overcome this disease. So far, there is no cure for loss of mind — only timely prevention and supportive therapy.

However, scientific experiments prove that every person can protect themselves from age-related dementia. A vivid example is the study by epidemiologist David Snowden from the University of Kentucky, which lasted for 30 years. The participants in the experiment were 678 Catholic nuns from the School Sisters of Notre Dame order.

Expert - Alexander Meshcheryakov, psychiatrist

"Nuns are an ideal control group. The women have the same lifestyle, similar conditions, and no bad habits. Additionally, the experts had access to archives, including the autobiographies of the participants," comments the psychiatrist on the study.

How the Study Was Conducted

The first series of experiments began in 1986. For thirty years, the nuns underwent annual tests on thinking speed, memory, speech, regularly visited doctors, and spoke with psychologists.

95% of the participants agreed to posthumous brain donation. The organ was studied for plaques and tangles, signs of microstrokes, and the overall condition of the blood vessels.

The specialists managed to gather a wealth of useful information about dementia and brain function. Here are five key findings.

1. The Phenomenon of "Cognitive Reserve"

It turned out that 20% of the nuns had severe changes in the brain due to Alzheimer's disease upon autopsy. But the paradox is that during their lifetime, the women were unaware of their illness!

They had no symptoms of dementia. The secret lies in mental activity, the scientists say.

2. The Power of Positive Thinking

Many nuns kept diaries in which they described their state. The study showed that women lived 7-10 years longer if their entries frequently included phrases like "I am happy," "life is beautiful."

3. The Danger of Chronic Inflammation

An increase in C-reactive protein is a warning sign that may indicate an increased risk of age-related dementia.

Nuns whose tests raised concerns were more likely to suffer from various cognitive impairments.

4. Education is Protection for the Brain

According to the study results, those women who had higher education demonstrated greater resilience to age-related changes in the brain.

This once again indicates that it is never too late to learn, just as it is never too late to acquire new knowledge on your own.

5. Fine Motor Skills are Important for Mental Clarity

Sisters who engaged in handicrafts (embroidery, knitting) maintained better coordination and memory in old age.

"This study is unique because it proves a very important thing: lifestyle can compensate for genetic risks and physiological changes in the brain," says Alexander Meshcheryakov.

Life Rules of Nuns Who Lived to 100

The women not only shared their main life rules but also provided advice that can help one become a long-liver. All their recommendations are simple; the secret lies in constant practice.

• "I learn something new every day." This is the life rule of a nun who lived to 104 years. Posthumously, she was diagnosed with severe Alzheimer's, but she did not notice it. The woman taught mathematics until she was 102, maintaining mental clarity.

• "Write about the good things." 98-year-old Sister Bernadette kept a diary in which she wrote about all the good things that happened to her. This allowed her brain to focus on positive moments and clearly understand life goals.

• "Dance, even if you can't." Sister Lucia loved to dance! Until she was 90, she practiced her favorite hobby and constantly learned poems.

• "Be friends with those who are younger." Nun Claire organized a handicraft club with participants of different ages. The woman lived to 101 years and loved to socialize.

• "Sleep like a queen." Sister Rose lived to 98 years; her secret was a daily routine! The nun went to bed at 9 PM and woke up at 5 AM without an alarm clock.

What conclusions can be drawn from the life experience of the nuns? First, the brain needs constant stimulation. Solve puzzles, crosswords, read books, learn poems. Constantly train your memory!

Second, engage in what you love, and try to think positively. This is the key to a happy life. Third, find a hobby that you enjoy. Dancing, yoga, cooking club — the main thing is that you really enjoy it.

Try to socialize a lot, make new acquaintances. And, of course, get enough sleep. Insomnia should be dealt with without pills; a daily routine helps, which not only maintains mental clarity but also affects the overall condition of the body as a whole.