LONGEVITY

They say if you want to live a long, healthy life…choose your parents
wisely. My mom, pictured below, is in her 93rd year and her mother
lived just past her 100th birthday. How do these and other people
live long lives?

GENETICS
Some experts say  genetics account for about 30% of the longevity equation. Personally, and with absolutely no scientific data to back it up, I think it’s closer to 50%. The remainder is made up of that broad influence that comes under ‘lifestyle’’. In their columns in this issue Dr. Jason Plotsky and nutritional consultant Penny Ormsbee look at what it takes to live a long and healthy life. On the negative side obesity, drug abuse and smoking are probably a few of the more common villains that rob, if not years from our life -  life from our years. Then there are the obvious positive influences like a nutrient dense diet and moderate exercise.

CALORIE RESTRICTED DIET
Calorie restriction (CR)  is one of the few dietary interventions
that has been documented to increase both the median and maximum
lifespan in a variety of species, among them fish, mice and dogs. For
many it is just not a practical goal, since the required calorie
restriction necessary, to have the desired results is so extreme.  As
the joke goes, if you put yourself on a extreme calorie restricted
diet,you will just ‘feel’ like you are a hundred years old.

LONGEST LIVED
In cultures with the greatest number of  longest-lived people there
are other constants like spiritual beliefs and a strong support
system of family and friends. Add to this your own personal list  of
favourite life-extending aids like - Vitamin D, Omega-3 oils, the
wisdom of Deepak Chopra, garlic, pumpkin seeds and on and on.

MEDICAL  ADVANCEMENTS
Our life expectancy continues to increase, mostly due to medical
advancements, keeping us alive longer. Someone born today can expect
to live into their 80’s.
As the baby boomers go kicking and screaming into their golden years,
longevity  is becoming big business. Google longevity on the internet
and you get over 15 million references.