How to live to 100 ...and enjoy it
New Scientist, 3 June 2006: Centenarians are the fastest-growing demographic group across much of the developed world. New Scientist plunders the emerging science of longevity to find out how you can maximize your tally at the final checkout.
1. Go for the burn. “Hormesis” was once considered flaky, but in recent years it has been shown that small doses of “stressors” such as poisons, radiation and heat can actually be good for you.
2. Don’t be a loner. Relationships with family, friends, neighbours, even pets will do the trick, but the biggest longevity boost seems to come from marriage or an equivalent significant-other relationship.
3. Consider relocation. The world is dotted with longevity hotspots. But why? It could be something in the water. Or it may be that these are statistical flukes.
4. Make a virtue out of a vice. What is the point of living to 100 if you can’t enjoy a few wicked indulgences? The trick is to choose them wisely. Some good ideas: A glass of wine a day; regular sleep; chocolate!
5. Exercise the little grey cells. By our mid-twenties our mental faculties have already reached their peak in many respects. After that, things start to decline. Study after study has shown that intelligence, good education, literacy and high-status jobs all seem to protect people from the mental ravages of old age.
6. Smile! Tom Perls reckons the key to longevity is how you respond to stress. Although a little stress may be good for you, sustained and severe stress can cut your life expectancy.
7. Nurture your inner hypochondriac. If you’re sick, go see a doctor! Look after yourself, and don’t ignore warning signs. There are early warning tests which can assist to detect diseases which otherwise have no symptoms, eg; cervical screening; prostate cancer PSA; etc.
8. Watch what you eat. The bad news is that there won’t be much eating involved. The only proven strategy to extend lifespan is caloric restriction – deliberately eating just enough to get by. This extends the lives of mice by about 30%.
9. Get a life! What you need is a bit of excitement along the way. Take some risks. Not only will new experiences bring you pleasure, you may also find they have added benefits.
Longevity is surely not an end in itself. As TS Eliot said: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.”
1. Go for the burn. “Hormesis” was once considered flaky, but in recent years it has been shown that small doses of “stressors” such as poisons, radiation and heat can actually be good for you.
2. Don’t be a loner. Relationships with family, friends, neighbours, even pets will do the trick, but the biggest longevity boost seems to come from marriage or an equivalent significant-other relationship.
3. Consider relocation. The world is dotted with longevity hotspots. But why? It could be something in the water. Or it may be that these are statistical flukes.
4. Make a virtue out of a vice. What is the point of living to 100 if you can’t enjoy a few wicked indulgences? The trick is to choose them wisely. Some good ideas: A glass of wine a day; regular sleep; chocolate!
5. Exercise the little grey cells. By our mid-twenties our mental faculties have already reached their peak in many respects. After that, things start to decline. Study after study has shown that intelligence, good education, literacy and high-status jobs all seem to protect people from the mental ravages of old age.
6. Smile! Tom Perls reckons the key to longevity is how you respond to stress. Although a little stress may be good for you, sustained and severe stress can cut your life expectancy.
7. Nurture your inner hypochondriac. If you’re sick, go see a doctor! Look after yourself, and don’t ignore warning signs. There are early warning tests which can assist to detect diseases which otherwise have no symptoms, eg; cervical screening; prostate cancer PSA; etc.
8. Watch what you eat. The bad news is that there won’t be much eating involved. The only proven strategy to extend lifespan is caloric restriction – deliberately eating just enough to get by. This extends the lives of mice by about 30%.
9. Get a life! What you need is a bit of excitement along the way. Take some risks. Not only will new experiences bring you pleasure, you may also find they have added benefits.
Longevity is surely not an end in itself. As TS Eliot said: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.”
posted by Peter | 4:41 PM
1 Comments:
Ah, that brought back some memories!
Keep it up, it'll be over soon!
Best wishes for many years dancing with NED.
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