With many theories on why some people live to an extraordinary age and why they do so in remarkably good health, maybe we should look at the oldest people alive and see if we can find the secret to long life.
When asked the secret to her longevity, Julia Child, famous chef and cookbook author, said, “…red meat and gin.” She only lived to 91. Goldie Michelson, of Worcester, Mass., who lived to be 113, claimed her longevity was due to “…morning walks and chocolate.” Jeanne Calment, of Arles, France, ate two pounds of chocolate every week. She also smoked cigarettes for 100 years, and drank alcohol until she was 121. Jeanne took up fencing at 85 and rode a bicycle until she was 100 years old. She lived to be 122.
Then there’s Emma Morano, of Verbania, Italy, who still was cooking her own pasta until a few years before she died at the age of 117. Her secret is raw eggs and no husband. It is a fact that most supercentenarians (the name for those who live more than 11 decades) are women.
There certainly is evidence that healthy longevity may be a result of healthy living and lifestyle, but recent research is delving into other factors, like a person’s DNA and genetic sequencing. Just as some people have a genetic disposition for certain illnesses, perhaps certain genomes are more likely to promote long life.
The Real Secret to a Long Life
Most studies on longevity have yielded few clues to healthy aging. Lifestyle and luck seem to factor heavily into why people live into their 90s and 100s. Their genetic advantage may be that they have inherited fewer DNA variations, which create a risk for heart disease, Alzheimer’s and other afflictions.
Fueled by genomics, more scientific research is now being done to determine if the secret to a long life lurks in our DNA. Scientists suggest that supercentenarians may possess genetic code that protects them from aging. The effort to unravel that code has been hindered by the difficulty in collecting DNA samples from these marvels of longevity. The biggest problem is there aren’t that many of them. In fact, of the 70,000 or so Americans who live to be 100, only about two dozen are still living at 110.
James Clement, a lawyer, entrepreneur and citizen scientist has launched a research effort that involves getting DNA samples from the world’s oldest people. He has collected DNA samples from supercentenarians in 14 states and seven countries over the last six years. Researchers feel that despite the limited number of supercentenarian genomes to study, they may be able to identify the secret sauce of their longevity with methods used to research the genetic basis for other rare conditions.
Living a Long and Healthy Life
While driven to determine what genetic proclivities ensure a long life, James Clement and his team are just as concerned about a healthy long life. Why live a long time, if you aren’t happy, healthy and mobile?
In addition to genetic mapping, they hope their research will provide insights into how to repair the damage that causes aging, as well as to prevent and turn back aging.
How to Live a Long Life
Existing research supports the value of keeping both your mind and body active as you age. Also important are proper diet and nutrition, exercise and other healthy habits. Staying socially engaged is another aspect of healthy aging.
At Home Care Assistance, our care philosophy seeks to optimize the wellness of seniors and bring energy, independence and joy into this special phase of life. Our programs define our approach to in-home senior care. The Cognitive Therapeutics Method is a complement to our Balanced Care Method and is another multi-pronged approach to healthy aging, specifically focused on the brain. At Home Care Assistance, we believe in extending healthy years, and we work with our clients to help them achieve health and meaningfulness in longevity.
Call us if you need support caring for a loved one suffering from dementia or any other cognitive decline. Our trained caregivers can provide support to fit your schedule and provide you with peace of mind. We understand aging, and we can help your loved one age in a healthy manner. Caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available for daily and hourly respite care for your loved one to help you protect your health and focus on yourself.
Contact Amanda Butas, a certified dementia practitioner, and your Mesa client care manager, at (480) 699-4899 to see how our caregivers can help your loved one thrive. You also can visit us at our office next to Bed Bath and Beyond, located on Power and McKellips roads, at 2031 N. Power Road, Suite 103.