In the past 100 years, science has managed to extend our lifespan from the early 40s to our late 70s and early 80s. In Japan, life expectancy is already well into the 80s. That’s amazing. But who wants to live longer in poor health?
What is encouraging is that older people are performing athletic feats well past their 80s. In 2015, Hidekichi Miyazaki became the world’s oldest sprinter winning the 100m at the age of 105, earning a place in the Guinness World Record book.
Neither Rob and I are aiming for Olympic achievements, however, it does make us a optimistic about continuing to play sports into our 80s and 90s. We have reasons to be optimistic, according to the latest longevity research.
From a technology standpoint, the next 10 years will equal the past 100 in scientific advancements and discoveries. Biomedical advances, public health initiatives, and social changes will further reduce mortality and increase longevity.
The Future of Healthcare
Did you know that scientists are already working on perfecting nanobots? These cell-sized robots can be injected into your body to seek and destroy harmful pathogens, genetic dysfunctions, and cancer cells.
Nanobots could also be used to deliver RNA Interference (here’s a video that explains RNAi):
Imagine: a nanobot delivering RNA interference to turn off genes like the fat insulin receptor, eliminating diabetes and obesity. That sounds pretty terrific to me!
The Extension of Our Health Spans
But…a longer lifespan isn’t necessarily a good thing. How valuable is a longer life if we simply increase the number of years we’re alive? We suggest aiming for longer “health spans.” The goal is to live longer AND extend the number of years we are healthy and active.
So until science has figured this out, we must take action. Here are a few things you can do to start living more healthfully:
- Eat organic food
- Get some sunshine
- Switch to natural cleaning products
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
- Exercise
Think about it: how we prepare to use those extra years is in our control to some extent. Will we live our remaining senior years in active, productive, fulfilling endeavors, or will our golden years be dull, overshadowed by declining health, loss of memory, and lingering illness?
Science is most likely going to figure this all out one day and provide some solutions for aging: better sensory functioning and digestion, better organs, better joints and replacements, and radical treatments of diseases. That makes our quality of life an even greater concern if we want to thrive, not just survive.
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