The older I get the more I realize that it is genetics that determine your health and longevity. Yes, other factors are involved but the family history comes first.
One of my grandmothers never worked and lived to be 106.
So much for the “liberated new woman”....they get to work and die young...
I agree with you about genetics, but I think levels of stress play an important role.
“it is genetics that determine your health and longevity”
I used to believe that — until breast cancer visited, with absolutely no family history. Then I factored in how extreme daily stress in life can weaken the immune system and allow disease to invade. So, I think that, with the absence of the stress, genes are the key.
Dad died at 86. Mom is 93 and healthy — actually traveling via plane tomorrow. She never worked outside of the home, but as a minister’s wife she was on call 24/7. Hope that longevity gene will work for me. If not, then I’m good with going Home. Once in a meeting with our Benefits Director at work I told her, “I don’t mind being dead; I just don’t want to be sick.” Got a weird look.
I retired 10 years ago, and never looked back. Happy. Ditto for my husband who retired five years ago.
I agree, I’m 61 and never get flu or colds. My parents are both well, all grandparents lived between 90 and 104.