A professor in gerontology recently told me his theory of ageing. As it is inevitable, he said there are 2 ways to age, a slow decline towards increasing immobility and the end or a steady state followed by rapid decline and a quick finish. He was very clear that he would much prefer the latter.
In my experience, we generally die of a main organ failure, which has knock on effects on the whole system. For example heart failure leading to breathing and kidney problems, lung problems leading to heart failure, kidney failure leading to blood pressure and organ problems. And so forth.
The other huge life change that older people suffer from is dementia, in all its varied horror. Although there is some genetic predisposition, there is thought among many researchers that lifestyle factors also play a significant role.
We therefore need to promote longevity. Not the sort desired by the stranger elements of Silicon Valley, but practical things that we can all do to optimise our epigenetic expression (how our lives effects our genes) and maximise our lifespans, whilst accepting that an endpoint will be there.
What so we know from the get go?
- Don’t smoke
- Limit alcohol
- Limit refined sugar
- Mange your weight for a healthy BMI
- Optimise muscle mass
- Stay flexible
- Maintain bone mass
- Eat a broad balanced diet of mostly vegetables and protein, with some carbohydrates
- Avoid diabetes. Reverse it if possible, manage it very carefully if not
- Take part in your GP health screening program when offered
- Make plans – a will, a digital plan, talk to your loved ones about organ donation
- Reduce your planetary impact burden – travel mindfully, reduce clutter, minimise debt
- Make your peace with yourself. There is a diffuse but definite link between life satisfaction and longevity
- Keep learning, creating, exploring
This may seem like an inordinately long list, but it is simplified into three main categories
- Eat sensibly
- Move frequently, lift heavy things
- Be mindful
The Camford Clinic 