Youre eating right, exercising and have given up unhealthy vices such as smoking and excessive drinking. Your parents, grandparents and great-grandparents lived long, full lives. So good habits and genes are all you need to live longer, right? Wrong.According to the Danish twin studies, your DNA may only be 15 to 30 percent responsible in determining how long you live. Scientists studied identical twins who had been raised separately and lived different lifestyles. They made the assumption that if genes were a factor in longevity, a set of twins would live to approximately the same age. But that wasnt the case at all. Results showed a dramatic difference in lifespan between siblings, proving that genes dont play as significant a role as we once assumed.In Okinawa, Japan, where the average life expectancy is 82, they share a sense ofikigai, which means a reason for being. Of course, they also eat a primarily plant-based diet and stay active both well-known keys to longevity. But healthy living alone may not help you live longer. Its possible that a healthy dose of purpose and self-determination could have a significant influence on your longevity. Studies of people 65 to 92 years old performed by gerontologist Robert N. Butler supports this claim. Those in the group who had defined goals lived longer and had sharper minds.So if youre taking care of your physical being, what else can you do to boost your chances of living to 100? Consider these steps to finding your ownikigai.ROLL WITH THE PUNCHESYour methods for coping with stress can affect your life span. Many interviews and studies show that centenarians are great at handling stress. They usually dont focus on misfortune or obstacles, but rather stay positive. Find a way to keep your stress levels down, and youll increase your chances of longevity.DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DOPursuing your passions may be one of the keys to reaching 100. Dedicate your time to your favorite hobby. Find others in your area who share the same interests to keep you motivated. Or are your goals loftier than that? Changing careers isnt easy, but if opportunity allows, you might want to give it some thought. Get creative and research the possibility of pursuing your dream. You might find it easier than you thought.GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONETravel to places youve never been. Study a new language. Read books on a topic you know nothing about. Just because your school days are over doesnt mean learning has to stop. Consider famous centenarian Grandma Moses who learned to paint in her 70s. Many community colleges offer continuing education courses on anything from painting to Tai Chi. You might discover a new passion in the process.FIND RELIGIONMost centenarians credit their long, happy lives to their faith. According to a 1999 study inDemography, Caucasian Americans who attended church lived up to seven years longer than non-churchgoers, while African-American parishioners lived up to 14 years longer. Just ask 112-year-old Nyleptha Roberts, a resident at Life Care Center of Sparta, Tenn., who claims her secret to longevity is a good Christian life.DISCOVER SOCIAL NETWORKINGNo, we arent talking about the latest Internet site to help you keep in touch with friends. Were talking about actual human interaction with the people you care about. Talking to friends and family every day can reduce depression, which is common among the elderly. Okinawans cherish theirmoais, a group of close friends who commit to support each other no matter what.GIVE BACKGiving is just as rewarding as receiving, sometimes even more so. Volunteering can not only help you feel great, but it can be an avenue for you to make new friends and contribute to your reason for being.There are countless ways to live with purpose. For you, it may be as exciting as pursuing your lifelong dreams, or as simple as appreciating the life you have now. Regardless, follow the example set by our beloved centenarians and live the life you have to the fullest, enjoying each milestone along the way. And dont forget to eat your fruits and veggies too.

In honor of World Kidney Day, wed like to share a little story about one of our newest residents.Ms. Jacquelynn "Jackie" Crawford is a native of Cleveland, Tennessee where she was an elementary school teacher for many years. While she didnt have children of her own, Jackie poured all of her love and affection into her students! Her teaching aid, Daphne also became like a daughter to her.Outside the classroom, Jackie spent much of her traveling with her husband, the late Bob Crawford. Bob started Crawfords pharmacy which is still in business today in Cleveland.Throughout their years, Bob and Jackie would both be affected by kidney disease and both Bob and Jackie would eventually go on to need dialysis treatments. That didn't stop them from their love of travelling, so when they'd visit Fort Walton, Florida, they'd connect with a sweet couple they met through the dialysis clinic. Jackie was blessed to receive a living unrelated donor kidney transplant at The University of Alabama at Birmingham approximately eight years ago from her best friend's daughter.Four years after the transplant, Jackie needed to return back to dialysis where she's made meaningful connections and lasting friendships. She's even taught herself how to read a magazine one handed!Very much a social butterfly, Jackie has settled in well at theBridge at Ooltewahand has enjoyed meeting so many other sweet ladies that are residents here. When she's not socializing, you can find her surfing the TV channels for something good to watch! We are so thankful Jackie is a new resident here in our community and we invite you to welcome her with us!

To learn more aboutRemington Heights, CLICK HERE.While life has certainly changed for all of us with the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, the residents and associates at Remington Heights Senior Living Community are making the best of it and staying optimistic. Our No. 1 priority is the health, safety and comfort of our residents. We have been following protocols from the CDC, state and local governing agencies since March 9.To limit our residents exposure to COVID-19, we have implemented these safeguards:We screen all associates at the start of their shift, including taking their temperature.Associates are wearing face masks.New move-ins must be asymptomatic, have a negative Covid test result, and follow the same isolation guidelines as our residents.Intentional infection prevention and protocols and enhanced staff training include frequent cleaning and disinfecting.Doors are secured 24/7.We are observing full visitor restrictions.Residents are served their selected mealResidents are encouraged to be at a safe distance from others while wearing a face mask while out in our common spaces.We are aiding communication with family members by cell phones, computer apps, Zoom, Facetime, Skype, One Day videos and other creative means.We are also continually monitoring and following additional guidance from the CDC and state and local health departments.We help facilitate window visits in our auditorium for families to visit and see their loved one, and courtyard visits for families to visit in person with social distancing being practiced.Our residents also especially like the efforts we are making to connect them with their loved ones over video calls such as FaceTime. One of our sweet ladies was able to see her great-grandbabies, during a Facetime visit.We are so thankful that during this critical time our staffing remains consistent. This is a testament to all the incredible group of caring, committed associates that work for us who are living our mission, vision and values each day.For example, staff members are going on grocery runs for our residents. Our staff keep the residents engaged with Root Beer Float carts, Wacky Wednesday, and having entertainers perform outside their windows.Its just the little things that go a long way, and faith over fear, shared Cortney Hartz, Marketing Director.Our residents say it best, though.I am extremely fortunate to be at Remington Heights, said resident Assisted Living resident. Through this virus crisis, everyone is caring, attentive, helpful and kind. I feel safe with the precaution measures, and I am thankful to be here!

1. Smart Digital Photo Frame .Send photos or small videos directly to an app from anywhere in the world, and your fathers can enjoy those wonderful family moments within seconds of the actual event. Amazon has many options to choose from like the FRAMEO 10.1 inch Smart Wifi Digital Photo Frame.2. Live Genealogy Movie. Convert their favorite childhood memories trapped on aging VHS tapes or stacks of prints or slides into personalized DVDs and digital keep sake they can watch over and over again and relive those special moments in their lives.3. Universal Remote Control. A good universal remote not only eliminates coffee-table clutter but reduces button pushes by combining multiple actions into one.4. Personalized Puzzle. Turn favorite photos into hours of fun. Companies like Shutterfly create puzzles customized to a favorite memory.5. Veteran Song. Honor your veteran by connecting them with Freedom Sings USA, a non-profit based in Chattanooga, TN that pairs professional songwriters with veterans, active military and their families to help them tell their stories through song.6. Make A Ball Memory Keeper. For the sports enthusiast, customize a ball in the sport of their choice with photos and memorable phrases.7. Model Car Kit. For that auto enthusiast or man who likes to still tinker with his hands, a model car building kit is the perfect gift. To make it even more memorable, find a specific make and model of his favorite first car.8. Customized Hammer. A great gift for that handyman or do-it-yourselfer. An engraved, personalized hammer will make the perfect sentimental gift.9. Coupon Book. Create a personal coupon book with coupons you can do together focusing on what that person would enjoy. Pinterest has several templates for creative and personal coupon books.10. Time. What do our loved ones treasure most? Time with each other. One thing COVID-19 has forced us to do is slow down and take more time for one another and to be thankful for the time we have with our loved ones.As our fathers and grandfathers transition into the later stages of their lives, it's good to keep gifts small, memorable and easily accessible. We think they will be sure to appreciate any of these great Father's Day gifts for seniors.