Longevity is something most people wish for. Some who are afflicted with severe and/or chronic ailments or diseases often do not particularly wish to live long lives. Most of us, however, do.
There are many physical and mental problems that affect the length of life and many can be treated when they arise. The single most important factor that determines the age to which we will live is genetics. Our genetic makeup cannot be changed but there are numerous other factors that can be controlled that may enable people to live well into their 80s and 90s, and even into the 100s.
We have the power to control a number of things that shorten life and they are well known. Too often young people fail to observe a lifestyle that will increase their ability to have a long and productive life. Sadly, too many fail to take these factors seriously. And all too often it is not just the young. Middle-aged people are also guilty of poor life choices.
This topic is becoming more important as recent statistics indicate a declining life span in the United States. While there is nothing that can be done for a person born with a terminal illness other than palliative treatment, there are many things that normally healthy individuals can and should do if they wish to have a long life. Some of these are cited below.
1. Never use tobacco products. The evidence is overwhelming that use of tobacco products shortens life and causes serious health problems along the way. Even the cessation of use of tobacco products at an early age will not guarantee that the affects will not cause ill health later in life. Coronary disease, lung disease, pulmonary disease and sexual dysfunction are among the many maladies that are caused by the use of tobacco products. Unfortunately secondhand smoke can cause disease among non-users. The only defense against secondhand smoke is to make the effort to avoid it. Many municipalities and privately run businesses have taken this into account and prohibit or severely limit the use of tobacco products.
2. Do not abuse alcohol. The jury is still out on how much alcohol affects health. It is clear that heavy drinking is detrimental to health. Studies also clearly indicate that men can assimilate more alcohol than women.
A number of studies indicate that a small amount of alcohol intake can actually help promote good health.
3. Never use illegal drugs. There is so much evidence of the destructiveness of illegal drugs that it is abundantly clear that their use is extremely dangerous. Even prescription drugs can be harmful if abused. This is just as true with over the counter medications. Use of prescriptions drugs and over the counter drugs should be monitored by your physicians. This is a great responsibility on the part of physicians and sadly too often neglected.
4. Drive safely. After many years of decline in death rates from automotive accidents they are again on the rise. This is usually attributed to driving abuses, including talking on a cell phone, texting, and a growing tendency to disobey long established basic rules of safe driving. Another likely factor is the breakdown in civil discourse. Road rage is a symptom of this. Specific examples of unsafe driving include excessive speed, running red lights, failure to yield the right of way, failure to wear seat belts, maintaining a safe distance behind a vehicle you are following and simply being ignorant of the rules of the road.
5. Eat healthy. This is no small task. Most people tend to overeat. And for most Americans it is quite easy to do so. More importantly, perhaps, is that we tend to eat too much of things not good for us. Too much sugar, too much fat, too much junk food are things that most Americans overindulge in. Many people are overweight and far too many are grossly overweight. Failure to maintain a proper and healthy diet is killing many people too early in life.
6. Watch your apps. The availability of electronic technological devices has been a blessing in many ways. An intelligent choice in the use of these devices enables us to access information in a way few would have dreamed of just 50 or 60 years ago. Unfortunately, it is easy to abuse these devices. There have been numerous studies pointing to how the abuses affect our concentration and focus. Though it is too soon to form an opinion regarding longevity of life it is worth considering monitoring the use of these devices.
7. Mental health. Do not ignore warning signs that you may need some professional assistance with mental health. Failure to do so could lead to a host of problems including debilitating depression, delusional behavior, and Alzheimer's disease, among others. Research clearly indicates that severe mental health problems can lead to early death, including suicide. Seek help if you need it, and if you do seek help, check the credentials carefully of any possible practitioner. This field is full of frauds.
8. Be physically active. Aging takes its toll on everyone. While acceptance of that fact is important it is also important to remain as physically active as we can. There are many approaches to exercise. If you have always been into some kind of sport this should not be difficult. If you have not you should consider developing an interest in activities that can keep you physically fit. Being sedentary is the fastest way to become feeble. The best exercise is walking, an activity which you can maintain well into your later years. It will keep all of your body functions in the best condition that they can be. At the same time be aware that as you age you will experience a greater tendency to fall. Your sense of balance will diminish gradually. Falls are the greatest danger for the elderly. Learn to live with maintaining your sense of balance and be aware that the best way to do so is exercise. Try to dispense with the use of throw rugs and always wear comfortable footwear.
9. Be socially active and try to remain mentally alert. Pursue friendships and if you have never been into reading develop that interest.
