5 Ways Cell Phones Ruin Almost Everything
I saw Kevin Kinkead (no, we aren’t related) write in his 10,000th post his most recent 50 hot takes about his frustration with phone usage at concerts. I couldn’t agree more though I don’t go to as many concerts today as I did in the past.
The problem with his take is that it doesn’t go far enough. I’ve long believed it and it’s only getting worse, phones ruin everything! In the constant fascination (for those who like to live out loud) to document everything in their daily lives phones have become completely invasive.
If you disagree with any of these I’m figuring you are a violator of one of these examples. Here are the worst of the worst…
Parents With Kids At Pool
There are few better moments than the memories of playing with your young children at the pool. Instead, I see young kids playing by themselves in a pool while Mom and Dad are busy scrolling IG or whatever task is so important that they can’t put their phones down. While I feel sorry for the kids missing out, I feel more sorry for what the parents are missing out on.
You’re Sitting Next To Them On The Plane
You make your way to your seat during boarding and find yourself in the middle of a conversation. Nobody is actually talking to you though. It’s the fool in the window seat carrying on a phone call loudly so you feel like you are a part of it. As they try and close that “big business deal” or tell you what time their plane lands, you will know more about your seatmate than you ever wanted to. Bonus jackass points for the person on the speaker.
Let Me Subject You To My Music Guy
I may or may not have my earbuds in, but I want to make sure I can hear my music and that everybody around me can hear it too. It’s another person you might encounter on a plane as they somehow nap while the music leaks 4 rows back. You could also just be out at a pool or beach where they believe they are the designated DJ for everyone.
The Party Of 4 All On Their Phones
The waiter or waitress is just trying to take your order. I know that it might seem inconvenient to make eye contact after your 4th “I’m at this restaurant” selfie, but it holds the staff up and every other table they can’t get to. I always wonder, are they texting each other? Try the pile the phones on the table strategy and go back to “olden times” when people conversed over a meal.
I’m In Line Behind You At The Airport
Yes, this line is long and moving slowly. I know those reels of puppies are intriguing, but everybody behind you doesn’t need you leaving 20 car lengths between you and the person in front of you. We all want to get somewhere and just ask that you look up once in a while.
Most Importantly, Live In The Moment
Not to wax too poetic, but I know a little bit about facing down potential regrets in life. It’s a lesson that I learned in my late 20’s that “tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us”. Last year it was reinforced as a refresher course. I think it’s important to be present and to actually experience moments. Documenting a moment isn’t the same thing. Is it a phone addiction? It sure seems like it to me.
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People Who Live to 100 Have These Things in Common
1. They Have a Good Immune System
A new study published in the journal eBioMedicine looked at the DNA and lifestyle of seven centenarians to see what they had in common to live so long. The researchers found that people in the 100+ age group, not surprisingly, had a strong immune system that had allowed them to fight off a lot of illnesses. It helped them stay alive longer.
Getty Images / dragana991They Have a Good Immune System
2. How to Improve Your Immune System
If having a good immune system isn’t in your genres, according to the experts at Harvard, you can boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables. Another way is to exercise regularly and have a healthy weight. A few other ways include getting enough sleep, only drinking in moderation, not smoking, staying up to date with immunizations and avoiding stress.
Getty Images / warrengoldswaiWays to Improve Your Immune System
3. They Have Chronic Illnesses Later in Life
According to a recent study published in the National Library of Medicine, “The age at which 20% of each of the centenarian groups experienced morbidity was significantly delayed by between 18 and 24 years.” That means these people got chronic illnesses much later than their peers. It helped them live longer.
Getty Images / gorodenkofThey Have Chronic Illnesses Later in Life
4. They Exercise Regularly
This one shouldn’t be a surprise. According to a National Institutes of Health study, 2.5 hours of moderate activity a week could increase your life by 3.4 years. Studies also show that places around the world with the most centenarians are often in places with rural communities, where they are up and walking around instead of sitting at a desk. So, get out and move.
Getty Images / VladdeeThey Exercise Regularly
5. They Aren't Overweight
Keeping their weight in check is apparently another commonality with people who make it to 100 years old. In a Harvard-Salk Institute paper about longevity, they note, “At present, calorie restriction remains the most robust [i.e., evidence based] strategy for extending health and lifespan in most biological models tested.” So, eat, but do so mindfully. They also eat healthy, which goes along with longevity.
Getty Images / jacoblunThey Aren’t Overweight
6. They Stay Connected
As they say, people need people. According to a research study via PNAS.org, having real, quality social ties with friends and family has been associated with better health. Also, being socially isolated has been associated with an increased risk of inflammation in people of different ages. So, don’t be such a hermit.
Getty Images / Miljan-ZivkovicThey Stay Connected
7. They Have Faith
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, “While there is no definitive scientific evidence linking directly spirituality and longevity some research suggests that spiritual practices and beliefs may have indirect effects on physical and mental health, which could potentially contribute to longer life spans.” So, it’s not a sure thing. But, it appears having beliefs and spirituality is something that many people over 100 share. Pray up, my friend.
Getty Images / Jun-CamachoThey Have Faith
8. Blood Commonalities
A recent study published in GeroScience shows that those 100 years of age and older have some similarities in their blood. According to research, they have lower, but not super low, levels of creatinine, glucose and uric acid. Talk to your doctor about ways to get your blood to those levels, and talk to you doctor about any changes you plan to make to your lifestyle and diet, of course.
Getty Images / stefanameBlood Commonalities
