Living Beyond 100 Years

   Living a long, healthy and active life is something that is cherished by senior citizens.  The average life of Malaysians has over the years increased with women having a longer avearge life at 76 and men at 72.  However, reports have indicated that more and more seniors are achieving an age in excess of 100 (see The Star 26/8/2012 above) .  The oldest person in the world is known to have reached the age of 122 years. The communities that are said to have a large proportion of very old people are in Okinawa, Japan and the Hunza Valley in Pakistan. Living to a ripe old age is one thing but the overriding consideration is the state of health, mobility and contribution of very old people.  I recollected a case where a friend of mine in Sabah posted a photo of his dad celebrating his 91st birthday.  I congratulated him and told him that he has the gene for long life. He rebutted back and said 'what for?'.  That got me thinking. Yes my friend in some way is correct.  What if a person has a long life but he is sickly, bedridden, immobile, need to be cared for.  He could be a burden to his children, strain his financial resources, cause emotional stress.  However if one lives a healthy, active life, he can continue to contribute to his family, his community and a role model to young generations.
   2.  My healthy, active and producive formula for long life has been guided by the many books and articles that I have read on longevity. Among them are:
         i. The Tao of Health, Sex and Longevity by Daniel Reid. Simon& Schuster, London. 1989
         ii.The New Anti-Aging Revolution by Dr R. Goldman&Dr R. Klatz. Advantage Quest,
             Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. 2007.
         iii. Long Life Prescriptions by Sari Harrar and Debra Gordon. Reader's Digest. 2008
         iv. How A Man Stays Young by The Editors of Men's Health Magazine. Rodale Press.1993.

   3.  Basically as the above report indicates, genetic factor play an important influence in achieving long life. Other important factors include regular proper exercises; appropriate food and nutrition; active involevement in community work; close relationship with family and friends; spirituality; interesting hobbies such as gardening; reading and writing; pleasure trips; active sex life; listening to music; life filled with LOVE, KINDNESS and COMPASSION.