Posted on 04/01/2008 8:59:15 PM PDT by traumer
Secrets to Living Longer with Barbara Walters
Take a guess. How many people are at least 100 years old in the United States? Would you believe more than 84,000 and climbing at an astonishing rate? By the time America's baby boomers reach that milestone, there could be more than a million centenarians.
My new special, "Live to Be 150 ... Can You Do It?" takes you way beyond nips and tucks, Botox and exercise, but rather to the cutting edge of the search for a longer, healthy life.
What you will see could not have happened just a few years ago. Whether you're 20, 40 or 60 years old, living well past 100 could actually be possible.
Over the last two years, I have talked to some of the world's top scientists, who told me about cutting edge breakthroughs in our understanding of how the body ages.
And they showed me how they are already growing human body parts in the lab for implantation into people. The heart research lab at the University of Minnesota took just a few days to grow a living, beating rat heart from stem cells. Amazing.
I also spoke with two scientists in Boston who say that in the next five years, they plan to have a drug on the market that will treat several of the major diseases of aging. This drug is based on the "good stuff" in red wine called resveratrol.
I also dined with a group of calorie restrictors. They weigh and measure every morsel of food they put in their bodies -- and consume 30 percent fewer calories than the average American. These calorie restrictors claim they have incredible energy and improved eyesight and memory. Experts say this is the only proven way to extend life.
And if you are feeling a little apprehension about living longer and longer, don't worry. I met a group of people who have all reached the age of at least 100. And it's not just lucky genes because genes account for only 25 percent of how long we live.
So at 100, could you still drive? Will romance be more than just a sweet memory? The stories of these remarkable centenarians will inspire you and just might calm your fears about getting old.
Hot puppydogs! I’m too old to benefit, but I figure the X-ers are gonna be paying off my yacht until they’re all 125 anyhows. Thanks, kids! MUHAHAHAHAHA!!
That was written a long time ago, and things change. You don't think God's plans might be different now than they were then?
Here’s something to ponder.
According to the “Real” scientist, one reason for global warming over the last century is because the sun has been more active, which in turn has reduced the amount of cosmic rays hitting the earth leading to less cloud cover.
OK, but let’s not forget, these cosmic rays over a life time do have a negative effect on humans.
Now I won’t deny modern medicine has had a tremendous effect on lifespan. But I’m wondering, since the sun has shown signs of less activity this cycle, if we do go into the Hansen-Gore minimum like some predict and we get exposed to more cosmic rays could life spans actually start to decrease?
Yeah, but Alzheimer’s Disease comes out of nowhere.
What about Dementia and Parkinson’s?
Most “doctors” are absolutely clueless about these types of things, are they not?
My memory is not as good as it used to be.
I remember chasing girls when I was young,
but I just can’t remember why.
I’m probably in one of those “life extension programs” you talk of....by necessity.....long story....but bio identical, compounded hormones have basically saved my life.
My daughter in law is going to be REALLY PISSED about this!
Won't happen though (even though it looks as though it already has--lol). Looks like girlfriend likes her food.
Won't happen though (even though it looks as though it already has--lol). Looks like girlfriend likes her food.
Let me know how it goes.
I’ve got enough to do to last me until I’m 150.
I’ve always said I plan to die young...at a VERY advanced age.
That being said, you'll have tons more wisdom and patience than folks who have children early. Take your vitamins and enjoy those babies!
A lot of those lettuce eaters die earlier than others.
I’ll be impressed when they cure the common cold.
I am 59 and I have had good life. I hope to have a good death. It’s that day after, that still has me a bit concerned.
I have had to be carried by a couple of miracles to make it this far, and I can feel it all winding down.
I’ll be around for a bit more, but I am also ok with the next step. I sure wouldn’t want to live to be 150....heck, I would have to go back to work. ;>)
Amazing.
I don’t know, I have a sister and BIL who eat like sparrows at Canyon Ranch: though they’re in their mid-50’s they look a good 20 years younger. But I have 2 other sisters who were married with kids in their early 20’s and were grandmothers by 50. Could their prospects be that different in one family?
(I’m active and healthy, but have probably already eaten enough for someone a good decade older than my age!)
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