Page 12 - tmp_Neat

12

by Bill Clements, Regional Director about 79 years, a little more than 80
for women, about 76 for men. We now
So, what do many of the most beloved know through science and research that
and enduring musical artists of the past genetics only make up for about 30%
50 years (or more), do to stay active (at best) of your likely lifespan. The real
and in the game? The answer is a lot indicators are more often diet (what you
more basic than you might imagine. DON’T eat as much as what you do),
First, though, a little setting of the exercise, stress management, proper
table on this article. There are many rest and generally making good choices.
celebrities and well-known figures who, We know, though, that this isn’t always
at advanced ages, are staying very fit the case as life often brings unexpected
and leading active lives. Betty White challenges and illnesses.
and Dick Van Dyke are two that come
quickly to mind. Both are well into their Moving onward let’s talk about some
90’s and seemingly cannot be stopped! folks out there keeping it ‘Forever
Young’. We learned recently that Mick
For this article, it was interesting to pick Jagger of Rolling Stones fame had
a lower threshold of, say, 70 years of age a substantial heart procedure yet is
and slightly higher. Then, we decided on already back on tour. The 75-year-old
people we all know from popular music most certainly has access to superior
for two reasons. One, these are people healthcare. However, Mick’s secret to a
who are actively touring and perform- healthy and active life (and to be able
ing as much as several times a month, to tour extensively across the globe) has
full time, and maintaining the schedules far more to do with very basic routines
that accompany it. And two, it would and exercise. Jagger exercises upwards
provide a handful of opportunities to of three hours per day, five to six days
sprinkle in clever song titles just for per week. So, it’s clearly a lifestyle
good measure!
choice. A little dancing, yoga and a good
Around 1900 or so, the average life ex- bit of running keep his body slim and
pectancy of someone born at that time in shape. He runs approximately eight
was approximately 50 years. We’ve come miles a day most days and a little more
a long way although we sometimes on occasion when he wants to ‘push
take it for granted: the average now is things’. He eats extremely well (which