Study shows longevity trends by state

By Dolores Saurer | The Daily Journal

Published Saturday, December 15, 2007

Every once in awhile the results of another research study on longevity are published. I recently read about the Eons Longevity Calculator developed by Dr. Tom Perls of Boston University.

This research is somewhat different in that it examines the projected lifespan of Americans who have already celebrated their 50th birthday.

Among the findings were the longevity trends by state. For instance, Hawaiians, age 50 plus, were projected to live longer than residents of any other state — 92 years.

Residents of Colorado and New Mexico were close behind but on the opposite end of the spectrum, 50-plus residents of West Virginia were not so fortunate, with an anticipated life span of only 89 years.

Dr. Perls acknowledges, however, that despite any person's calculated longevity, there are other factors to consider, other ways to add years to their lives. Consider the addition of five years for a stress-free, optomistic attitude.

And exercise — chalk up 10 more years for exercising 30 minutes a day, four days a week. Eat a well balanced, healthful diet and it could mean the addition of seven more years. Subtract 15 if you are a smoker. Since there is a direct correlation between the strength and vitality of your brain to the strength and longevity of your body, it is important to keep your brain active for a potential addition of five more years.

Keeping the above in mind, give thought to the opportunities available to you at your Senior Center: the exercise program, balanced healthful noon meals, games and discussion groups to keep your brain active and, of course, the friendly comaraderie of fellow seniors.

Looking at next week, if you have legal questions such as on wills, trusts, estate planning, Attorney Jamison (Jay) Cichosz will again visit the Senior Center on Dec. 26, starting at 1 p.m. Call 736-6842 to schedule a free consultation.

A reminder — The Christmas party with our Adopt-a-Class is on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 12:45 p.m.

With the addition of more groceries for the holidays, we hope you are remembering to save your SunMart receipts for the Senior Center. We are almost up to $60,000 which means only a bit more than $90,000 to reach our goal of $150,000 and the $1,000 bonus for our Activity Fund. With your help, we'll make it.