Hi folks,

I hope this is not too off-topic for this list, but it might be of interest.

I learned a few things the other day after visiting a friend who lives with
and takes care of a 90 year old widow. This lady was in quite good health -
remarkable really for her age - and I wondered where that came from - she
was out playing golf until a couple of years ago. She could even read fine
print without glasses! I surmised a few things:

- She had lived a happy and fulfilling family life, which was reflected in a
wonderful, upbeat attitude; she told us lots of stories and anecdotes. I
sensed that if she was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, she could
accept that and whatever it would bring.

- She was financially well-off, lived in her own home and not a nursing
home, and could afford someone to help her and prepare reasonably healthy
meals for her (some fish, some vegetables - mostly cooked, FWIW, and also
some things that would not be considered very healthy - hot dogs, white
flour, coffee and an occasional piece of chocolate)

- No obviously bad habits like smoking or drinking (maybe she had an
occasional glass of wine but that could actually be healthy).

- She stayed active by walking up and down the stairs several times every
day.

- She was neither overweight nor underweight, and did not overeat out of
loneliness.

- She stayed regular by taking a fiber supplement every evening.

- Good heredity (and she admitted to this)

I also think she still has most of her original teeth. I suspect when older
folks lose their teeth and their diets turn to totally 'mush' it is often
when their health really starts to deteriorate.

The best example I know of for good health into old age though is Jack
LaLanne. At 84, he has normal cholesterol, normal BP, and has 20/20 vision.
Part of his legendary fitness regimen most relevant to this list is a
low-carb but largely raw-food diet (lots of protein from egg-white powder
and fish, and very strict about avoiding all sweets and junk food - he also
takes lots of supplements).


Paul ( [log in to unmask] )