LONGEVITY
“New data indicates that average human life expectancy is likely to reach 100 by the year 2060.” Discover Magazine, pp. 67-8 (January 2003).
I read on Yahoo today about the world’s oldest man celebrating his 112th birthday. He’s not ready to die.
I remember a cosmetic ad from several years ago that used the statement, “I’m not going to age well; I’m going to fight it every step of the way.” I’ve been doing a lot of research and study in the past 4-5 years about longevity and living long and strong. I’m sure this has nothing to do with the age I am or that each birthday increases that age instead of decreasing it!
I am … - what? You thought I was going to tell you how old I am? HA! I quote a famous actress who said, “Any woman who will tell her age will tell anything and can’t be trusted to keep a secret!”
No, I jest – but I am not telling you my age. I’m not bothered by it or ashamed of it, nor will I lie about it. It is just that I have discovered that NUMBERS affect how people look at you. You can be sharp, witty, funny, and youthful looking but the minute people find out the number your age is, they begin to look you totally differently. I know it isn’t fair but that is the way it is.
So back to longevity. A few years ago, hubby and I began to research what it will take to live long and strong. We’ve only been married 13+ years at this time (2007) and sonny boy has only been out of the house 7 years. These years are our first to be alone together. I am not ready to retire or get old or fall apart. I haven’t lived enough yet! I want to enjoy this wonderful man I’m married to for a lot longer than a mere 13+ years!
I’ve discovered that scientists believe a life span of about 120 years is the maximum that humans can attain under current medical and environmental conditions. In October 2001, the US Census Bureau reported that there were 50,454 US Centenarians. Wikipedia.com states that in 2005, the number is now over 55,000 in the year 2005. But by 2050, “the number of US centenarians is expected to reach 834,000 and maybe even 1 million,” said Dr. Robert Butler, President of the International Longevity Center in New York City.
Lifestyle, less stress, nutrition, exercise, and attitude are all factors in living long life. Cutting back on coffee caffeine, drinking plenty of water, getting at least 7 hours sleep a night, maintaining a healthy weight, eating less processed foods, nutritional supplements such as omega-3 oils, flax seed oils, etc., also add to it. There are all sorts of amazing things we can do to age well.
When I began studying this topic, my one concern was that I not look like a shriveled up old apple doll. Does anyone remember them? Here’s a picture to give you an idea what I’m talking about: http://www.appledolls.org
Actually, these are really cool dolls and the website tells you how to make them. Just a tidbit thrown in there!
I will be creating a page on this site dedicated to all things anti-aging, longevity, health, and such. If you come across any articles or information to support living a long life, use the webpage “contact” page or email me at nan@nanloyd.com.
With your help, I will have a wide range of information to help us all age well and look good! Let’s plan now to live long and strong!
JOY is aging well and feeling great!
