Serious students of mass communication often criticise social media, and not without reason. Many view it as frivolous and irresponsible, a space where information is released without proper gatekeeping. In traditional journalism, gatekeepers such as sub-editors, news editors and editors ensure authenticity, balance and accuracy before information reaches the public domain.
Yet, the absence of such gatekeepers in the social media ecosystem also has a positive side. Ideas that may be unconventional or “out-of-the-box” often find space online. Some of these ideas spark public conversations and sometimes even lead to a necessary course correction in social practices and behaviour.
One such issue that has been circulating on social media platforms relates to longevity and what artificial intelligence has to say about it. The answer attributed to ChatGPT was as surprising as it was thought-provoking.
How to Live to 140 Years?
According to a widely shared post, ChatGPT analysed the lives of centenarians from so-called “Blue Zone” regions of the world and reached an unexpected conclusion: the key to longevity is not diet, exercise or genetics alone, but the ability to live with low levels of chronic stress.
The argument is simple. A person may eat healthy food, exercise regularly and avoid smoking, but if they live under constant psychological stress, the benefits of those habits may diminish.
Chronic stress, the post claims, is often not just about work or financial pressures. It may arise from a deeper internal conflict — the gap between who we really are and who we pretend to be. When people constantly suppress their true selves, their bodies remain in a prolonged “survival mode”, leading to the continuous release of stress hormones such as cortisol.
Communities known for long life, such as those in Okinawa in Japan or Sardinia in Italy, are often cited as examples. Their longevity is sometimes attributed not only to their diet but also to the relative harmony in their daily lives and social relationships.
The message circulating online presents several principles for a long life:
First, avoid environments that generate constant internal resistance. Living in toxic work or personal relationships can accelerate mental and physical exhaustion.
Second, do not postpone life indefinitely. Many people spend decades working only to “start living” after retirement. Unfortunately, some reach that stage with declining health and limited energy.
Third, strong social relationships matter. Loneliness has been compared in several studies to major health risks. Meaningful human connections — even with a small number of people — can significantly improve emotional well-being.
Fourth, having a sense of purpose is vital. In Japan, this idea is often described through the concept of ikigai, or a reason to get up each morning. Purpose does not necessarily mean a grand mission; it may be as simple as caring for family, cultivating a garden, creating art or helping others.
Fifth, health should not become an obsession. The relentless pursuit of “optimising” health through constant monitoring of food, calories and routines can itself become a source of stress.
Sixth, movement should be a natural part of life. In many long-living communities, people do not rely on structured gym workouts but remain physically active through daily activities such as walking, gardening and household work.
Finally, people should learn to listen to their bodies — resting when tired, eating when hungry and sleeping when sleep naturally arrives.
The Missing Element: Our Relationship with Money
One important aspect that such discussions often overlook is the role of our relationship with money. For many people, especially in modern competitive societies, the constant desire to earn more becomes a major source of anxiety.
The relentless “rat race” often convinces us that success is measured only through higher income, better positions and public recognition. In this pursuit, stress quietly becomes a permanent companion.
A more relaxed and detached relationship with money can reduce this pressure. After all, once basic needs are met, the continuous chase for more wealth may add little to genuine wellbeing.
Personally, I reached a stage in life where I consciously decided to step away from this cycle. After my superannuation, I declined several job offers, including some lucrative ones. A few friends who hoped I would pursue higher positions were disappointed and even described me as lacking ambition.
But I saw it differently. I felt that whatever name, recognition or financial reward was destined for me had already come my way. From that point onward, I wanted the freedom to do what I truly enjoyed, rather than what others expected in exchange for money.
Working on something purely for the satisfaction of doing it — without the constant calculation of personal gain — can be a deeply liberating experience.
Perhaps that sense of inner freedom, more than anything else, is what truly reduces stress and brings a certain quiet joy to life.
**************
We must explain to you how all seds this mistakens idea off denouncing pleasures and praising pain was born and I will give you a completed accounts..
Contact Us