What is the first thought that goes through your mind when I ask this question… “Would you like to live to 120 years old?” If you’re like most American’s, that question evokes a chuckle followed by NO WAY! My concern with that kind of response is the implied image you are likely seeing of yourself at that age. Instead of that image being a vibrant, youth-filled, healthy individual, it is more than likely a degenerative, wheel-chair bound, oxygen-wearing person. If not, you certainly wouldn’t laugh and say no!
I can only imagine that if Jack LaLane were asked the same question, his response would be “What! Only 120!” Consider this:
At the age of 70, Dr. LaLane (P.S. he was a Chiropractor) handcuffed himself to 70-row boats, filled with 70 people and swam against the current from Queens Way Bridge to the Queen Mary for a total distance of one mile. HANDCUFFED!”
How about Mr. Saburo Shochi, who, at 106, became recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest person to complete a round-the-world trip using only public transportation and walking!
And for a final “Yes You Can!” Let’s look at the life of Jeanne Calment who, despite passing away in 1997, still holds the title of the longest confirmed human lifespan in history at 122 years and 164 days old. When asked the secret to her longevity she stated it was due to her diet loaded with olive oil (which she rubbed onto her skin every day), port wine (which she drank every night) and the consumption of 2.2lbs of dark chocolate every week.” She is also reported to be mentally intact with no sign of cognitive deficiency of any sort until the date of her passing.
Why Aren’t There More People Living Today Like These Three???
The answer lies in how we care for ourselves. Here is what is happening because of living in the modern-day Medical Model and waiting to take care of yourself until after your body is diseased:
- Only 1 person in 1000 lives to 60 in good health!
- Hundreds of thousands of babies, children, and adults die from taking
medications every year! - Every 30 seconds someone is diagnosed with cancer!
- 1 out of every 2 people you know will have a heart attack!
You are made of trillions of cells and every second, millions of cells die and millions are replaced! In order for those cells to replicate normally and for you to engage the fountain of youth they need 4 things:
- Nutrients
- Oxygen
- An absence of toxins
- Proper nerve supply
Giving your body and cells what they need is the only way to TRUE healthy longevity and immaculate health!
You can either wait until you or your child builds up enough disease so medical tests can find it and take 50 years off your life, or you can learn the proper steps to LIVE to 100+ Years old!
The attitude angle
There’s more to it, though (of course). Longevity requires a certain attitude, an outlook, a perspective that gives those who live a long life a reason to do so.
One of the keys to longevity is purpose. Having a purpose gives you a reason to WANT to live longer. You need more time to fulfill that purpose. It’s easy to get into the rhythm of life–go to work, raise the children, respond to all of life’s demands. But that’s not a purpose. That’s just living and being a reactionary. Find your passion, give your life meaning, then you’ll have the spiritual and psychological willpower to live into the triple digits.
Don’t be discouraged if you’re getting up there in age. There’s not time to get started on your purpose than the present. And if you dig deep, you probably already know what it is.
Then, of course, being a good person to others, the good feelings and the social interaction and support that you get from it, is a beautiful way to extend your life. I’ll leave you with the words of Gertrude Weaver, an Arkansas woman who died in 2015 at the age of 116 after holding the title of world’s oldest person for five days. When asked what her secret to a long life was, she replied:
“Treat people right and be nice to other people the way you want them to be nice to you.”