Ever curious how long a human can live?
Some scientists think that human could live till 120. So far as we know, only one French woman named Jeanne Calment has made it to that age, she died at the age of 122 years. Although scientists can’t prove that until it happens, but based on the death surveys that were carried out by researchers, people needn’t have died when did, that is to say, that deaths can be delayed if people look after themselves properly and if lucky enough, living past 100 is totally possible for us all.
Is that really good to live that long or proud about when living to the ten or twenty years of being frail, ill or confused? By and large, researchers showed that it is not old age itself that makes us ill, we are ill because we have one or more diseases. Researchers also claimed that people who can live beyond 100 years old can be in surprisingly good health though, like some 90- and 100-year-olds achieve levels of fitness a 40-year-old would be proud of, a 100-year-old has completed a full marathon, a class in international athletics championships for the over-100s, and so on.
It is interesting to note that the number of people living to pass the age of 100 is on an increasing trend. Statistics showed that in 1911, only one hundred people in Britain were 100 or older, but as of now, there are well over ten thousand, and the number is expected to continue to increase. Why that dramatic increase? I believe people are becoming more knowledgeable and concerned to invest in their health and that there are better health care and social conditions that save people from dying before their time.
Genes may play a part, but then, if we were to look at the communities like those on the Japanese island of Okinawa, we may be surprised to know that there are large numbers of unrelated people reach 100 years old and beyond. That means living past 100 can’t just be down to genes, I would say lifestyle of living and the environment do play a crucial role that can make us live long, active and in good health!
Best,
Tan Kok Hui
Nutrition Made Simple, Life Made Rich
Keywords and Phrases
Healthy, vigorous and clear thinking | Old age | Investing in health | Health habits | To avoid diabetes | Blood vessels damage | Poor health | Killing diseases | Healthy lives
