5 Reasons Queen Elizabeth Has Lived Such a Long, Healthy Life
For decades, Queen Elizabeth’s daily routine was mainly unknown to the masses. Sure, we’re aware of some of the cooky royal rules (no bare legs allowed!) and many have speculated about her inner workings (hello, The Crown!). But it wasn’t until now, that a new book has taken a real deep dive into the monarch’s day-to-day and what has helped her lead such a long and healthy life.
British culture researcher, Bryan Kozlowski, has extensively studied the 95-year-old queen and has identified the habits that have contributed to her longevity in his new book Long Live the Queen! 23 Rules for Living From Britain’s Longest-Reigning Monarch (Buy on Amazon, $24.75).
“She has aged incredibly well and is the paradigm of health and wellness,” he told the New York Post in an interview.
This weekend marks Elizabeth’s official birthday, which will include scaled-down celebrations like the Trooping the Colour, a parade, and gun royal salute. Read on to find out how you can channel your inner royal and live a long life like the queen you are!
Sensible Exercise
Despite the queen’s busy schedule, she has always found time to be active. Kozlowski notes that the she prefers “sensible exercise” which include brisk walks with her corgis (who will be getting their own stocking full of goodies this Christmas) and her lifelong passion of horseback riding.
“To achieve longevity, [most people] tend to think you need to maintain a rigorous fitness regime,” he explained. “Research says the types of exercise you keep up are the ones which give you pleasure.”
A Balanced Diet
Having chefs on staff to cook your favorite meals can be tempting but the queen maintains a balanced diet, while still allowing for the occasional splurge. One of her favorites is an afternoon Darjeeling tea with sandwiches.
“She will also take the smallest sliver of cake,” Kozlowski adds. “As dietitians often advise, you should give yourself permission to have occasional treats.”
The queen applies this same modest attitude when it comes to drinking. While the rest of the royal family might settle for a pint of beer or whiskey, her drink of choice is a gin and Dubonnet, according to her former chef, Darren McGrady.
No-Fuss Beauty Regimen
One story the book details was when an aristocrat met the queen for the first time and said, “I never realized what lovely skin she has” to Prince Philip.
Well, she doesn’t have a bathroom full of fancy beauty products to thank for her youthful complexion — most of her skincare comes from the moderately priced British brand, Cyclax. She has however, barely worn makeup most of her life and has also avoided excessive sun exposure. Her favorite vacation spot in Scotland is certainly anything but tropical.
Lifelong Education
Even at 94 years of age the queen is still curious about the world and is open to learning about new things. Kozlowski writes in his book that she usually spends hours looking at documents everyday.
A fun way for her to apply her newfound knowledge about a particular subject has always been by trying to playfully outsmart prime ministers during their briefing sessions in Buckingham Palace. The Crown certainly capture this with Margaret Thatcher.
Adapting to Life’s Changes
As Britain’s longest serving monarch at 65 years, she has seen and experienced a lot. However, evolving to ever-changing circumstances is a key factor to her living a long and meaningful life.
“She has this willingness to adapt, which banishes the insidious stress you get from resisting change,” he says. “That contributes to longevity and a fulfilling existence for sure.”
He adds that the queen views life with a “glass half full” attitude. “She practices what psychologists call ‘benefit-finding.’” She often uses her wicked sense of humor to make a joke and lighten the mood during royal events.
Maybe it’s time we all take a cue from the queen: She may live in a whole different world on so many levels, but the day-to-day mantras that have kept her healthy and happy all these years are not so foreign after all.
