Longevity

I was going through various scientific journals, where they study longevity. Surprisingly exercise does not feature. The most important reason for longevity is genetics, independent of any adverse habits.

There are people who are over 100 who have smoked heavily for at least 40 years of their life.

Genetics play a major role in negating the adverse effects of a bad life style, from reducing the cholesterol, chances of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes or malignancy.

Paradoxically malignant cells demonstrate the ability for unlimited division which healthy aging cells lose due to a genetic make up which limits the number of divisions, hence aging. If genetic engineering is done to enable unlimited division in normal cells it would also increase the propensity of it to turn malignant.

Unlike what is commonly believed a vegetarian diet does not have a major role to play. Various diets like increased antioxidants, vegetarian and vegan have limited role.

Vegetarianism or more specifically veganism is a for a sustainable planet as we use more resources raising livestock and poultry and feeding them fodder than we use growing plants for our own consumption. The amount of land cultivated is greater when we are feeding our livestock, poultry and ourselves. Depleting natural cover for farmlands.

The diet which has some role is a calorie limited diet. Where reduced calories to extent of starvation is followed. This could be due to A reduced oxidative damage to the body by breaking down food and converting it into usable nutrients. However whether such diets can be followed lifelong is doubted.

A positive belief in an higher power is also instrumental in longevity. This helps alleviate anxiety and the feeling of helplessness. There is the comfort that there is someone above looking after you.

Exercise can increase your life span by only an average of 5 years.
But it’s always better to add life to years rather than adding years to life! We can survive to a ripe old age but be bedridden and demented.
What would be the quality of life?
It’s better to live limited years healthy and independent rather than limp to a 100, bedridden and dependent on care givers. Hence the importance of exercise.
A disclaimer, I have merely quoted research and none except the last sentence is my opinion.