What does it take to live past 90?
Health secrets and the ethics of "studies"
I did a rough draft of the secret to long life last week, and when I saw that Lindsey Graham, the senator from South Carolina, passed away today at 71, I thought it would be prudent to share it today.
We don’t normally see standing Senators who pass away. He was a young man in Senator terms and coincidentally succeeded the oldest Senator in history
Strom Thurmond, who stepped down as senator at 100.
What was his secret and that of many other nonagenarians?
I really believe that the secret, if there is one, is that the people who live the longest are not just blessed with good genes but enjoy the world around them and use all 5 of their senses.
Here is my non-authoritative list of folks you may know that are pushing 90:
Mel Brooks
Woody Allen
DIck Van Dyke
Clint Eastwood
Warren Buffet
My uncle, probably some relative of yours
People magazine has a more comprehensive one HERE
It seems to me the secret is music, physical fitness, dancing, and a little bit of humor.
I prefer these observations to studies done by faceless scientists and funded by some entity with an agenda, not because they are wrong or right, but because I don’t understand them.
And the timing of their release seems to further a popular conviction rather than truly help a layman gain insight.
Take this one:
“for a period of over 11 years using an accelerometer to measure daily steps…”
All it took was 11 years of observation?
I prefer observing +90 years.
And that’s what I believe is the only guarantee we have of a healthy life…
You have to enjoy it. Not as a material girl. Not consuming. Not protesting.
So how?
Going for a walk and enjoying nature.
Pushing your body to do things where you'd rather be on the couch, like working out.
Surrounding yourself with other people in a positive setting, like dancing and comedy
Listening and learning the invisible art of music
Giving back and growing - Investing or planting
Everything else is in the details,
Eric
And let’s say I’m wrong. At least you enjoyed your time on planet earth instead of harping on all the regrets