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YourHub.com \\ Vero Beach \\ Stories \\ Senior Scene

Is it Good Genes or Sound Choices?

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Contributed by: Chris Loftus on 8/11/2008

The issue of longevity and families has become increasingly more timely as the population is living longer. When speaking to groups, I often begin with "I have good and bad news today: the good news is we're living longer, the bad news is we're living longer." It brings smiles and even a few chuckles but more than anything that quip initiates some thoughts about the aging process.

It is often heard that longevity does seem to run in families. There have been studies indicating that children of centenarians are more likely to reach 100 years of age themselves.

Family genes tell only part of the story, though. Again, researchers now believe that only 25% of our genetic makeup can account for longevity. The other 75% is attibuted to the risk factors we can control. Yes, you guess it - weight control, regular exercise, not smoking and keeping life in balance. We all read and hear about this almost daily. Is it falling on deaf ears or has the message been repeated so often that it becomes background noise? I was shocked to be told by my physician when having my annual check up that if I survive my 60's, I have a good chance of seeing my 90's. When asked for the reason, he remarked that the statistics show individuals in their 60's can have more medical and physical issues that will either become life-long medical conditions or will actually end life. Need I tell you that his words echo in my head as I embark on my daily walk!

Living longer implies continuing with the daily activities we enjoy. It doesn't talk about the quality of that longer life. While the idea of having more time in the sunset years of life to read, travel, write, paint, fish or golf, in actuality are those the activites filling the days of those years? We all know individuals in their 90's who are as active and vital as they were in the 70's. On the other side of that coin are those who spend their time going to doctor's appointments, homebound due to medical issues, passing the days with little outside stimulation or activity. Perhaps the latter example is the best reason to pay attention to that 75% of risk factors instead of turning it off. It is never too late to begin taking better care of yourself. If you are one of the fortunate ones with genetic longevity, you have even more reason!

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