How to Make It To Age 100 (Or Close)

Ever wonder why some people live well into their 80s and 90s, even though they’re overweight and have been on a lifelong “see-food” diet?  It’s not because they’re donning googles like these, that make food look 50% bigger when eating.

According to Dr. Nir Barzilai, director of the Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Dr. Nir Barzilai in New York, lifestyle is important, but the centenarians in his study on aging didn’t avoid fatty foods or alcohol like doctors tell us we should.  Some centenarians in Barzilai’s study were even smokers.

“If you’re healthy, you have potential for fun for a much longer period of life. It’s the chronic debilitating diseases of aging that really turn you off.  And it doesn’t have to happen.” ~ Dr. Nir Barzilai

Journalist Karen Weintraub interviewed Dr. Barzilai for National Geographic magazine.  Among her findings: lifestyle will get you past 80, but good genes are needed to top 100.”  You can read the full interview here:  What Do Centenarians Know That The Rest of Us Don’t?

Meet the man who’s investigating longevity:

Curious to see how your genetic background may impact your chances of making to age 100?  The National Society of Genetic Counselors offers these quick links to help you get started on gathering your family history:

• My Family Health Portrait – A Tool From The Surgeon General
• American Medical Association Adult Family History Form
• March of Dimes History Form (scroll down page)

Here’s to a long, healthy life!