A dear friend recently observed her 89th birthday. In my mind that called for a celebration. Other friends felt we should wait until her 90th birthday, but really why wait? Everyone loves a party! But no rush, some said. The argument being that we are living longer than ever. It's become common to hear of folks celebrating their 100th or even their 105th birthday.
Dan Buettner, the author of "Blue Zones" suggests longevity has to do with how we live. Buettner extensively researched the people and places with the highest longevity rates. To mention just a few...Sardinia, off the coast of Italy; Okinawa; the Seventh Day Adventists in Loma Linda, California and Costa Rica. (I'm thinking..how bad could retirement in Costa Rica be?)
What he discovered boils down to five basic principles for successful aging.
1) Have a purpose for getting out of bed in the morning. (A job, a hobby...)
2) Engage in a social life with interaction among family, friends, and neighbors.
3) East less red meat.
4) Enjoy a glass of red wine now and again. (Some of his subjects began the day with a glass of red.)
5) Exercise. (A walk around the block qualifies.)
Obviously, this formula will not work for everyone. And no one wishes to live longer than "average" without a decent quality of life. (Notice I said decent. At a certain age, we expect aches, pains and assorted body parts to wear out. Knees and hips especially.)
Major long-term studies suggest that our longevity is influenced by genetics - 25%, environment and lifestyle choices - 75%.
Life expectancy has increased to 79.05 years. Women 82.65. (These figures from the U.S. Census Bureau exclude Covid fatalities.)
The gender gap has narrowed mortality rates.
By 2034 the U.S. Census Bureau is projecting that older adults will edge out youngsters in population size. People age 65 and over will number 77.0 million, while the under 18 population will number just 76.5. By 2040 there will be an estimated 80.8 million older persons. We will be in the majority!
Although I don't plan to be here in 2040 to enjoy the majority feeling. My paternal grandmother lived to be ninety-seven years old. I remember a conversation with her when she was only ninety-five years old. At that time she confessed to being lonely. Her children, friends, and most of her family had all passed. For the first time, I realized that longevity might not be desired by everyone. There is more to living than time.
For more excellent information, Dan Buettner has researched and written extensively on the subject of longevity. "The Blue Zones Solution," and the "Blue Zones of Happiness," are also exceptional readings.
Lastly, in any event, a case of fine red wine is on my shopping list!
