Every day’s a gift when you’re over...

By Dr. Ely Lazar & Dr. Adele Thomas

[Republished here by permission of the authors from their “Lifestyle Tips for Over 50s,” affiliated with their website “Passionate Retirees,” September 3, 2018.]

Back in 1973, Alexander Leaf, a medical doctor, travelled to various areas of the world to study people who were living beyond 100. His article “Every Day Is A Gift When You Are Over 100” was featured at the time in National Geographic Magazine. Dr Leaf attempted to discover what was the secret to longevity in these communities.
    Leaf’s travels took him to Ecuador, to Georgia – which was part of the Soviet Union at the time – and to Kashmir where the Hunzas lived. His travels revealed some interesting factors. Some communities lived in valleys, while others lived in mountainous areas. While diet indicated a lower caloric intake than the average western diet, some were vegetarians while others ate animal content in copious amounts. There were, however, three areas which showed some commonality.
    All the individuals who were studied appeared to be reasonably active even beyond the age of 100. They were vigorous and vital and did not consider themselves extremely old. No matter which country they were in, the people had a reason for getting up in the morning. In other words, they were leading purposeful lives. A final, fascinating factor was that most of the individuals still had an interest in the opposite sex.
    When Dr Leaf studied centenarians, the average life expectancy in those days was barely 70. Today life expectancy is approaching the mid-80s, so perhaps we should be stating that “Every day is a gift when we are over 110,” or every day is a gift at any age.

Recently I saw a video of Flo, an 84-year-old grandmother who pole vaults in addition to running and competing in the long jump. She is incredibly fit and active and is not thinking of slowing down. Many other seniors are leading hectic lives. In researching our book, Relationship Secrets For Sexy Seniors, we found that people in their senior years are still sexually active. Also, research in recent years has discovered that life purpose is essential for many people even though at times they may have trouble identifying a worthwhile mission.
    What is interesting is that with all our modern-day scientific advances, we have only confirmed what was known back in 1973, that life purpose, physical activity, and sexuality are significant contributors to increasing longevity. We also need a mindset adjustment. Too many lament the fact that they are getting older. A more useful approach is to have gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities that life has given us. Let’s think that “Every day is a gift,” whether we are 70, 80, or beyond. We don’t know how many years lie ahead, so let’s enjoy the gift and find fulfilment.

Copyright © 2018 by Dr. Ely Lazar & Dr. Adele Thomas Ely Lazar, B.Sc., D.C., is a part-time chiropractor and Adele Thomas, M.D., is a family practitioner. They are based near Perth, Western Australia.