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Living Longer

In 2001, the average life expectancy hit an all-time high of 77.2 years, adding two years since 1990. Women’s life expectancy increased one year to 79.8 years, while men’s increased two years to 74.4 years. That’s the good news. The bad news is that many people are living longer with chronic diseases like diabetes; however, there is hope and many elderly are living long and healthy lives.

For decades, society has attributed long life to “good genes.” Now, researchers appear to have identified one of these genes, or more specifically, a mutation that may allow people to live into their 90s and even past 100.
  
This “longevity gene” governs a single amino acid in a protein that leads to production of larger high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. HDL is often referred to as “good” cholesterol, and LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol. Apparently, these larger molecules protect against many diseases of aging, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Experts feel there are probably other genes that are doing the same thing. Nobody knows how the larger particle size protects against these diseases. Its possible larger particles can’t penetrate artery walls and contribute to atherosclerosis.

Researchers have known for a long time that people who reach 100 years of age seem to miss getting the major disease that kill other people at much younger ages. This study seems to be proof of the contention that genes can override the environment. One example is of a woman who celebrated her 103 birthday despite the fact that she smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for many years. (Warning: Don’t smoke as smoking has, in the vast majority of people, been proven bad for your health.)

Now that the gene mutation has been discovered, the next step may be for a scientist to replicate it. In the meantime, remember to take care of your health and follow these tips:

• If you smoke, find a way to stop.
• If you need to lose weight, find a healthy way to shed extra pounds.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a healthy diet with lots of fiber, including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Do routine screenings, including, pap smears, mammograms, colon and prostate cancer screening, as suggested by your health care provider.
• Maintain and nourish healthy close personal relationships with others.

For health information and referral
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In Iowa 800.468.0050