Will you live to be 100...or possibly even beyond?

How long do you expect to live?

This photo is my Grandmother, who will celebrate her 90th birthday on February 28, 2010.  Her birthday is actually February 29.  She will have to live to age 92 for Leap Year to come around again.  I think she'll make it.

The 2008 World Factbook estimates life expectancy in the U.S. to be 77.5 to 80 years of age, which is higher than most areas in the world.  If you ever want to live abroad, consider Canada, some of the European countries, and Australia where life expectancies are beyond 80.  Factors such as access to public health, medical care, and a steady diet have increased our life spans.  Your personal life expectancy will be guided by your economic circumstances, the choices you make when it comes to the food you eat and the amount of exercise you get, and even your level of education and what occupation you pursue most of your life.  Genetic disorders, drug use, and excessive alcohol can also reduce your numbers.  

Will you join that elite club of super-centenarians and live beyond age 110? 

Jeanne Louise Calment from France lived to be 122 years old plus 164 days!  She holds the Guinness Book of Records for the longest confirmed life span in history, living from 1875 to 1997.  She didn't need nursing home care until after her 110th birthday, and then it was more about poor eye-sight than poor health.  I hate to even mention this, but she was even a smoker until age 117.  She contributed her longevity to a diet of olive oil, which was poured on all her food and even rubbed on her skin, port wine, and chocolate.  Yes, ladies, enjoy your chocolate!  She also stayed physically active most of her life.  At age 100, she was still riding a bike.  Maybe smokers should be sure to include a lot of olive oil in their diets and invest in a good treadmill or exercise bike.

Will you choose quality over quantity?
 
My grandmother has been in the nursing home now for about a year.  She lived with my Dad and then my Aunt for several years before they moved her to a nursing home facility.  Except for Parkinson's, the same disease as what Michael J. Fox has, she is still in fair health and may very well live several more years.  She is transported mostly by wheelchair now, but she still recognizes everyone.  Sometimes it's difficult to follow a conversation with her because she jumps between the past and present.  But overall, she still smiles and laughs when you visit her and seems to be in good spirits most of the time.  

If you live long enough, most of us will be faced with similar circumstances.  You may become dependent upon others to help care for you because your frailties will require it.  Strangers may help put you to bed, feed you, and touch your body in the most personal places when you can no longer do it yourself. It is enough to ask why we jump through all the hoops to extend our lives if this is how it will end.

One fact is certain.  Live life to its fullest while you have the health and means to do so.  For those of you who do nothing but save for retirement, don't forget to enjoy the journey now! Go places and do things so that you can tell your great-grandchildren about your life's adventures! Your memories will help sustain you, so don't forget to create a few along the way!  These memories may be what will define your quality of life when your quantity has overflowed way beyond the normal life expectancy.    

And by the way, enjoy that olive oil, glass of wine, and chocolate dessert for dinner tonight.....