Live Longer and Prosper: AMBA’s Tips to Help You Improve Your Life Expectancy

Want to know the secret to living a longer and healthier life? Eating well, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding bad habits remain essential to living and staying active longer. However, researchers have also uncovered exciting new clues about the science of aging well. AMBA’s got the tips to help you increase your life expectancy.

The current life expectancy for someone in the U.S. is more than 76 years. A century ago, the average life expectancy was closer to 54!

Source: 

Your Lifestyle is More Important Than Your Genetics

For many decades, the conventional wisdom was that family history was the single most important factor in health. Genetics do play a major role in one’s risk factors for health issues like diabetes, heart health, obesity, and certain cancers. However, many factors are in your control.

Eating habits and exercise may be the most critical factors associated with living longer and healthier. Ensure your diet includes plenty of high-fiber foods, lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to avoid the foods that cause the most harm, such as ultra-processed foods, excessive red meat, and added sugars. It’s also recommended to avoid tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption.

Physical activity is also essential. It’s common for people to experience a gradual loss of muscle, reduced energy, and achy joints as they age. It’s crucial to remain motivated and active. But doing that can raise your risk for disease, disability, and even death. It’s important to work with a doctor to find the types of physical activity that can help you maintain your health and mobility.

Even frail older adults can benefit from regular physical activity. One study included over 600 adults, ages 70 to 89, who were at risk for disability. The individuals were randomly placed in either a moderate exercise program that included brisk walking, strength and balance training, and flexibility exercise or a comparison group without structured exercise. After two years, not only did the exercise group gradually work up to an impressive 150 minutes of weekly activity, but the researchers also found that if individuals in the exercise group suffered an injury, they recovered faster than those in the comparison group!

The combination of different types of exercise—aerobic, strength and balance training, and flexibility—is vital to healthy aging. However, an active lifestyle is more than just getting your daily steps in.

Stay Social 

It’s long been known that strong relationships and regular social interaction improve the quality of life. However, new studies reveal that meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose can also increase one’s chances of living longer and that societies with the most long-lived populations enjoy a high level of social engagement with roles for older individuals.

Engaging in social and productive activities you enjoy, such as taking an art class, joining a hiking club, or volunteering in your community, may help maintain people’s sense of well-being and independence as they age. 

The key to healthy aging is to engage fully in life—mentally, physically, and socially. Enjoying peace of mind and a sense of security for your loved ones can also play an important role. The Whole Life policy from AMBA and NCRGEA can help. This plan can give you the peace of mind of protecting your family from the high cost of final expenses. Advantages include pre-approved acceptance for applicants 45-85, reasonable rates that never increase, and assurance that you will never be canceled as long as premiums are paid. Learn more at www.AMBAlifeinsurance.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.

Sources:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/12/12/can-you-get-diabetes-from-eating-too-much-sugar/71764449007
https://ebm.bmj.com/content/early/2024/04/16/bmjebm-2023-112583https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6969951/

The Top Fashion Trends for Glasses for Autumn 2024

When the leaves turn into beautiful shades of gold, staying stylish takes its own fall turn. One of the most essential fashion statements you make is with your eyewear. Want to stay one step ahead of what will be hot in glasses trends this autumn and enjoy healthier vision? AMBA is here to provide the insights you need!

Warm Hues and Earthy Tones

Autumn fashions are driven by color schemes that reflect the autumn scenery. These shades can include rusticated reds, brassy reddish browns, and rich yellow-gold hues. These colors look great on frames. Different shades of tortoiseshells and animal prints blend into brown and black outfits for a look perfect for people who love statement-making eyewear.

Current trends are leaning towards red as the color of fall eyewear. Red frames—ranging from bright cherry to deep oxblood—constitute one of the ultimate fashion accessories. Red frames not only match well with bold and colorful clothing, but they also make a bold statement with a neutral outfit. 

Elevated Classics

Classic frame silhouettes retain their timeless charm, but new materials and accents provide updated, modern allure. Embellishments like layered colors (such as champagne gold) and textured finishes add depth and visually exciting embellishments.

Translucent Frames

Understated transparent frames make an impression since they help your eyes be visible through light or slightly tinted frames. When paired with sparkling pieces or gradient-tinted effects, transparent frames add a touch of bold subtlety and glamour.

Vintage Revival

Everything old is new again! Retro glasses have become fashionable again. With their throwback shapes and current updates, such as bold colors or sparkles, retro glasses provide vintage shapes borrowed from the past. 

Look for circular and oval lenses like those of the 1960s—1970s. Shapes like cat eyes or browlines are continuing to make a comeback.

Bold and Chunky Frames

Thick frames are perfect for people who want their eyewear to make a bold statement. These chunky lenses are based on styles popular during the new wave movement of the 1980s. The look is being modernized with statement brow lines and transparency effects. 

Mixed Materials

Combining various textures and materials to frames gives dimension to fall eyewear trends. For example, the fusion can include wooden top rims, transparent lower frames, or metal accents on acetates.

Metallic Accents

A new trend that continues to gain popularity is frames adorned with metallic accents to add glitter and shine. Lustrous silver, golden, and rose gold temples, hinges, and lenses complete the glamorous look.

Fall 2024 boasts many exciting eyewear trends, so you are bound to get the perfect frames to match your style. One thing that always looks good: significant savings on your next pair of glasses. NCRGEA and AMBA have a Vision Plan that can help you get the eyeglasses and the prescription that’s just right for you at great discounted rates. This plan includes annual WellVision checkups and coverage on a large selection of designer eyewear. Best of all, you’re pre-approved! Sign up now at www.AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.

Sources: 

https://www.whowhatwear.com/fashion/trends/autumn-winter-2024-fashion-trends
https://stylecaster.com/lists/glasses-trends-2024/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/a60813851/2024-sunglasses-trends/

Plan Now to Successfully Set Your New Year’s Resolutions

Need help setting your New Year’s resolutions?

Many of us decide what our New Year’s resolutions will be sometime in December, normally when someone asks us if we are going to make any and what they are. It’s normally a spur-of-the-moment decision. This is a contributing factor as to why we normally break them so quickly.

A study conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Crispy Green in 2020 found a self-aware lack of discipline (52%), followed by busy schedules and lacking the proper time to see them through (43%) are the top three reasons people gave for breaking their resolutions.

Two in five also point to societal and peer pressure as a big reason for their resolutions
are cut short.

But with better planning, you can set targets that are more suited to you and your needs. Let’s go over some yearly goals examples and how you can achieve them.

New Year’s is undoubtedly the most popular time to set your annual target.

From a psychological standpoint, it makes sense. The holiday offers a clear breaking point from the previous 12 months. It gives a sense of new beginnings, opening the door to more possibilities.

It’s tempting not to bother with setting annual goals. But they come with many benefits. Here are a few to consider before you rule them out.

They give you direction.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, goals are a way to pull yourself out. The best yearly goals give you something to strive for, pointing you toward success.

They allow you to track your progress.
Whether you’re aware of it or not, you’re always learning and moving forward. But you won’t notice your progress if you’re not paying attention. Goals give you a way to see how far you’ve come.

They help you stay accountable.
How many times have you told yourself, “I should really work out more.” Great! Let’s hold you to that. When you create goals, your lofty dreams become real. The next logical step is to take action. Looking at an unchecked “workout” box on your to-do list will remind you to keep working.

They keep you motivated.
Every time you achieve a goal, it’s a win. That deserves celebration. And every time you reward yourself, you boost your energy and build your motivation to keep going.

They halt procrastination.
A goal has a clear deadline. This forces you to plan accordingly and take the necessary steps to succeed.

They help you figure out what you want.
Without a clear target, it’s easy to never commit to a project. Setting a goal forces you to focus on what’s important.

No matter what you’re setting your goals for, here are some tips on how to do it effectively.

  • Think about what you want. Be specific with what you want to accomplish. As you think about it, here are some questions to ask yourself:
    • What do I want out of life?
    • What kind of family life do I imagine?
    • What are my career aspirations?
    • What would I regret not doing before I die?
    • These types of questions will point you in the right direction. They will help you visualize your ideal life to start striving for it.
  • Be SMART about achieving your goals. Now that you have a direction, make SMART goals. SMART is an acronym for targets that are:
    • Specific: you know exactly what you want to accomplish
    • Measurable: you have a clear metric for measuring success
    • Achievable: you’re able to accomplish your goal with your current skills and resources
    • Relevant: your goal connects to your wider lifetime ambitions
    • Time-bound: you have a clear time frame for achieving your goal
  • Start small. Set smaller milestones that inch you toward your larger goal. Each should have clear deadlines to stay on task throughout the year. If you can’t accomplish it within the year, split it into several short-term goals.
  • Tell your loved ones about your ambitions. You don’t need to broadcast your goals to the world. But if you tell even a handful of people, they’ll feel much more real. Also, if you’re ever feeling lost, they can remind you why you took on this challenge in the first place. They can also provide valuable feedback on how you’re doing.
  • Re-evaluate your goals often. A lot can change in a year. A few months from now, you may want very different things than you do currently. Re-evaluating your goals will help ensure you’re always heading in the right direction.
  • Reward yourself at each step. This means finding your “carrot” to celebrate a milestone. It could be a chocolate bar after a run or a day off after writing. Every time you reward yourself, you reinforce the habit of achieving your goals.
  • Put your goals somewhere visible. Stick your list of goals to your bathroom mirror. Set them as your phone wallpaper. Tattoo them on your arm (okay, maybe don’t do this one). Whatever it is, make sure you can see and remind yourself of your goals every day.
  • Believe in yourself. There will be bumps on your journey. But, as with most things in life, they’ll pass. It’s important to believe in your ability to overcome obstacles. Trust that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.

So what are good goals to set? Here are some goal ideas for every area of your
life:


Academic Goals

  1. Research where you can take a class on what interests you and see if there’s financial aid available
  2. Take a class
  3. Read a nonfiction book about what interests you
  4. On the internet, Google “how to” videos

Personal Goals

  1. Spend less time watching TV
  2. Define your personal beliefs and values
  3. Start a new hobby

Personal Health Goals

  1. Wake up earlier
  2. Exercise three times a week
  3. Socialize more

Financial Goals

  1. Meet with a financial advisor or your banker to review your finances
  2. Consolidate your financial statements in one location so loved ones can
    easily find them in case something unexpected happens to you.

Spiritual Goals

  1. Read the central texts of your religion
  2. Meditate for 20 minutes every day
  3. Take part in your religious community

Relationship Goals

  1. Learn a new skill together
  2. Go on more frequent dates
  3. Spend more time with your friends

Final thoughts

Pursuing a yearly goal is difficult. That’s a fact. But with a bit of planning, you can set yourself up for success. Doing so will pay you back in dividends. You’ll set yourself on a path of personal
growth and find new motivation every step of the way.

Donate Locally for Giving Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Tomorrow is GivingTuesday 2022, which means many of you will be donating to a nonprofit or community organization.

We encourage you to donate to groups here in North Carolina. In your community, check for specific information on #GivingTuesday or contact an organization to inquire about donating.

Otherwise, you can explore some of the North Carolina initiatives we discovered online.

◾️Giving Tuesday Raleigh Durham – scroll down to see the seven local nonprofits on which they are focusing this year. – bit.ly/3gEewz0

◾️ Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc. – lists 76 local nonprofits in the area. Choose one and click the Donate button beside its name. bit.ly/3VcqMW9

◾️Conservation Trust for North Carolina – donations will be triple matched by board members – bit.ly/3GS8g17

◾️ Farmville Public Library – bit.ly/3gCe04x

◾️ Families & Communities Rising, Durham – bit.ly/3EL5J65

◾️ Kellin Foundation, Greensboro – Kellinfoundation.org

◾️ Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Piedmont – bbbscp.org

◾️ Friends of Guilford County Animal Shelter – bit.ly/3VeB602