Longevity Research

I just read an interesting post about the lack of longevity research. Over the years, I've saved several articles about living long and living strong.

I never thought about preserving health to the point that we would continue to live with the same sort of health and vigor we enjoyed at the age of 20. People with good health usually seem to be 10 or 15 years younger than their contemporaries, but not much more than that.

This week's Parade magazine had an interesting article about living to be 100. It is along the lines of other articles I have read in the past - based on statistical information gathered from people who have lived longer than most.

• Eat according to the Mediterranean diet
• Read the newspaper - basically, stay current and connected to keep your brain working
• Go forth and multiply - parents, especially moms, live longer
• Drink tea regularly. Coffee and wine also seem to be beneficial.
• Watch your waistline
• Get married
• Have faith - most centenarians have some sort of regular religious practice or belief.
• Buy the farm - living in the country extends life better than city dwelling.

This particular article didn't even mention owning a cat!