People in 27 Idaho Counties Die Sooner Than the Rest of Us

Helen Ching's Secrets to Longevity

Helen Ching, born January 29, 1914, in Hawaii, is 110 years old. Her secret? We can't say we know for sure, but we have a hunch it's a mix of island sunshine, a diet rich in fresh fish and fruits, a deeply loving family, and an Aloha lifestyle that keeps Helen moving.

In Hawaii, community and family are everything. Combined with the breathtaking beauty of island living, that sounds like the recipe for a long, healthful life. Suppose more people woke up to the soothing sounds of an ocean breeze in paradise. In that case, we bet we'd see a spike in our centenarian population.

The Idaho Enigma

You may be inclined to think Idaho, with its beautiful mountains, crystal blue lakes, and abundance of outdoor activities, would have us churning out centenarians like Helen one after the next. But we're not.

Like Hawaii, Idaho boasts an endless array of free opportunities to socialize, exercise, and embrace a proactive lifestyle. Yet despite their these similarities, a recent survey shows Idahoans in 27 counties aren't making it to 80. That blew our minds and broke our hearts.

Staying active certainly helps, but it's not a cure-all.

Unfortunately, longevity isn't always about how much you golf, run, or fish. Common sense dictates that a body in motion that stays in motion isn't the only key to longevity. Factors like access to healthcare, stress, nutrition, and socialization also play crucial roles.

And no matter how deep it is, an Idahoan's love for the great outdoors simply will not make up for a lack of economic stability.

Is the key to a long life in balance? We sure hope so!

Striking a balancing between physical activity and mental well-being, proper nutrition is, well, a balancing act, with access to healthcare being essential.

If we, as Idahoans, want to live beyond 80, we should maybe take a page from the incredible Helen Ching's book.

Scroll for...

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