I’ve been watching a show on blue zones, areas that have a higher than normal concentration of centenarians. This documentary tries to pinpoint characteristics that lead to longevity. It’s been really interesting so far. There are very specific indicators from each group from around the world; however, the broader context is a healthy diet, exercise and movement, interaction with people and community, and embracing faith and spirituality. No surprise there, but learning about the lives they live is enlightening.
When I was younger, I used to think a life until 80 was just right. That was my twenty year old mind that couldn’t see ten miles down the road. Not too long ago I revised that number to 85. That didn’t seem out of the question since my mom is nearing that age and living an active fulfilling life.
But the blue zones are making me rethink this once again. I’m halfway through the series and I’m beginning to wonder if I’m going to up it to 90. Now, for me to do so, I’ve got to make some changes in my life. Even still, it’s not a slam dunk. But after watching these 90 and 100 year olds, it’s taught me there definitely can be life after 85.
Health and happiness go hand in hand. You cannot pull the two apart, and one doesn’t exist without the other. If you are among the happiest 20 percent of people, you live around eight years longer than the saddest. So a real strategy for living longer is getting happier.
Many thanks to 50 Happens. I was struggling to find a song pairing. One of her recent blog posts reacquainted me with George Winston. I used to play December from beginning to end when pulling all night cram sessions in college. Winston’s piano solos had a calming effect, especially after 2 am when everyone else was sleeping. I’m choosing one of my favorites. Although Variations on the Kanon first introduced me to his music, I loved Winston’s Joy just as much.
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MyGenXerLife 
I love the IDEA of living as long as possible, but having spent much of my nursing career working in long term care (mostly with the elderly in a personal care home), my view is different. Longevity is great as long as you stay healthy, both physically and mentally. But so many don’t. I’m more about quality over quantity now when it comes to my life and my loved ones. If I hit 60, which is only 12 years away, and I’m in a wheelchair, wearing an adult diaper and having to be fed, I want out!
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I totally agree with you on that. If quality of life is downhill, what’s the use? One of my biggest concerns is if there is a need for memory care. Not only is it expensive, I don’t want to be a burden. The priority is to continue to focus on health now. You’ve seen first hand what that can do. You must know it too well.
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Pretty songs. As for age – I am 78 with a genetically inherited (is that redundant?) wonky heart – which I never knew about until 8 years ago – I come from a long line of long-lived women, my mother died at 103 and only because of Covid but I heard she was pretty much a vegetable – not the way I would want to live, if you can call it that. My mother said I would die when I was 85 and that’s just fine with me. I could leave now and be happy. Once my mind starts to go I will end it – not the way to live. So as long as the mind is functioning and the body is relatively ok – long life is ok, once they start to go and independence is severely compromised – time to say bye-bye.
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Ah, I agree. Memory care is a big concern. Hope my mental health and physical health remain strong as I age. There are so many things that impact that, some not even in my control. At the end of the day, I can only make an effort for healthy living and roll the dice.
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Those are two of my favorite tracks on December too! ❄️
My father is 90.5 years old and still rides his bike 12 miles at a time. He eats a pastry for breakfast at Starbucks every morning. Not a veggie/fruit guy. I think genetics and my mother are the key. Keep that lovely wife of yours happy and healthy to live as long as possible!
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12 miles at a time @ 90. I love that. That’s truly inspirational. Genetic, yes. Your mom – DEFINITELY! I already know my wife has prolonged my life at least 10 years! I may balk and complain about the fuss, but deep down I am thankful and appreciative. Yes… I need to help keep her healthy and happy. You’re right!
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Just please don’t jump on the Live Forever bandwagon! https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/dont-die-man-who-wants-to-live-forever
I think if I were secure financially, I’d want to live forever. My life is still in flux and I’m turning 55 this coming year. I worry about burdening my kids. Given the turnaround I’m working toward, I’d love to be healthy hiking in a beautiful woodsy area on my 92nd birthday. 🙂
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What a lovely vision, Stephanie. I’ll join you — i’ll be 100 when you are 92. ❤️
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Deal. We’ll all age gracefully!
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Hopefully tea before then. haha ❤ ❤ ❤
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Forever, no. Lol. But if I work towards being healthy, then I’ll up my number!
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😀
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I would never have thought to tinker with the perfection that is Bach but I love what George Winston has done here. And what an interesting post. I always kinda gave my mom the side eye when she extolled the virtues of eating well, but she is 86 and still making a splash. I think I finally get it, maybe for the first time. In the past when I have changed my eating habits, I have always secretly longed for pizza. Pizza may taste good but wow The Dorito Effect really opened my eyes to the nature of our food supply.
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I have a number of George Winston CDs. I’ve enjoyed his piano solos. I haven’t listened to him in decades.
I get the side eye and the dorito effect. I love junk food. I’ve really changed my eating habits in the last few years. It sucks and is hard as hell, but any behavior change is. I think when my body finally was feeling healthy, that tipped the scale. I still indulge occasionally, but the addictive part has subsided. Knock on wood – for now.
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A few of my extended family members have been blessed with good health and long life. While some passed away way too young. The mind can be something else though. Dementia is on the rise. However, it would be a blessing to live a long and healthy life when the lifespan is getting shorter.
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Living with dementia is a fear of mine. The last thing I want is to be a burden on family
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It is. When I hear stories they’re both fun and heartbreaking. My Dad had started showing signs. It was like a switch on and off.
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That must have been difficult. We grow up with our dads being supermen. It’s difficult when they decline with age.
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It was difficult but also had it’s moments of funny.
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The show sounds interesting. I have been thinking a lot lately about aging, and how it will be when either my sweety or I are not able to care for ourselves or the other or, worse, when one of us dies, leaving the other alone. Every day is a gift.
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Yes, a gift indeed. We should all keep that top of mind and appreciate our time with loved ones.
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