[One Day Ten Thousand Steps, One Day One Thousand Characters] 'How to Age Like Elizabeth II'

How to Age Like Elizabeth II, Who Passed Away at 96
Maintaining Principles and Moderation Internally... No Special Meals Three Times a Day
Bold Fashion and Active Appearance Outside... Loved Worldwide

The coronation of Charles III will take place on May 6 (local time) in London, England. Although he ascended to the throne last September, he will become the true king of the United Kingdom when the highest-ranking clergy places the crown on his head during the coronation ceremony. Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away last September at the age of 96, reigned for over 70 years. The queen was beloved not only in the UK but worldwide, not just because of her position as 'Queen,' but because she understood that "for the monarchy to survive, it must be loved by the people," and she put efforts into realizing this. The queen started TV Christmas messages in 1957 and was an early adopter of YouTube and social media. During the 2012 London Olympics, the silver-haired queen appeared as a 'Bond girl' in the opening ceremony video, and when faced with the global COVID-19 pandemic, which posed a great crisis to the UK, she offered comfort and encouragement through a national address. Elizabeth II, who received the love and respect of the British people, was constantly a topic of public interest in every move she made.

Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed wearing bright and colorful outfits.

Annabel Streets, a health coach, author, and author of , and Susan Saunders, who runs a platform (Age Well Project) sharing ways to age well, posted an article last year titled "How to Age Well Like Queen Elizabeth." According to Saunders, the queen had a clear sense of purpose above all else. She served in World War II and ascended to the throne after her father's sudden death. Despite experiencing ups and downs such as the post-war economic crisis, the separation of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Diana's tragic death, and the loss of her husband, she remained composed. She was always seeking new things. As people age, it is easy to become stuck in routines for years if not decades. An aging brain thrives on novelty and freshness. She teaches us the lesson that we must continuously challenge ourselves and keep our brains busy and curious.

The queen was always surrounded by people. Having broad social connections is directly linked to longevity. A lack of social bonds is associated with depression, cognitive decline in old age, and increased mortality. The queen freely conversed even with strangers. Shaking hands and greeting everyone is one of the hardest exercises we experience. Talking with people you meet on the street, bus, or in a coffee shop helps cognitive health. The queen loved the countryside more than the palace. She walked daily and rode horses whenever possible. Spending just a few minutes in nature every day reduces stress. The queen loved her dogs. Walking with her dogs provided exercise, and petting them increased levels of oxytocin, the love hormone.

Queen Elizabeth II and Crown Prince Charles III enjoying a walk [Source=British Royal Family Facebook]

The queen was an icon of bright colors, witty fashion, and dopamine dressing. Dopamine is one of the catecholamines, a neurotransmitter that plays important roles in motor function, motivation, and regulation of pituitary hormones. It is involved in various neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson’s syndrome, drug addiction, depression, and schizophrenia. The queen always wore hats and gloves when going out and did not shy away from colorful clothes. This was necessary to stand out in crowds and at events with large gatherings. Saunders said, "Taking care of yourself and taking pride in your appearance shows a positive side to the world and ultimately makes us happier."

The queen’s eating habits can be summarized as ‘light.’ Darren McGrady, who served as the queen’s personal chef from 1982 to 1993, cited her restrained diet that avoided carbohydrates as the secret to maintaining her health in a 2017 interview with CNN. When dining alone, the queen enjoyed grilled or braised fish with vegetables and salad. She never ate potatoes or carbohydrates. Although she could have anything she wanted, her lifestyle of moderation was the key to her health. The queen favored crops, fish, and pheasant raised on her estates such as Balmoral, Buckingham Palace, and Windsor Castle. However, McGrady said the queen was more interested in horseback riding and walking with her dogs than eating. She especially liked chocolate, particularly dark chocolate.

Queen Elizabeth II is meeting students during her visit to a school in Australia in 2006. [Source=British Royal Family Facebook]

The health-related media outlet ‘Eat This Not That’ once published a report compiling views from former royal chefs, nutrition experts, insiders around the royal family, and diplomatic sources. According to the report, the queen started her day with tea and biscuits. Breakfast usually consisted of toast, cereal, and juice, and lunch followed a high-protein, low-carbohydrate pattern. She enjoyed grilled salmon or chicken. Dinner typically featured grilled fish and boiled meat served with salad.