Living Longer: Good News! Scientists expect people to live longer. Maybe not you, but someone. For years, the upper limit has been around 120, although proving the age of people that...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Good News! Scientists expect people to live longer. Maybe not you, but someone. For years, the upper limit has been around 120, although proving the age of people that hold has been problematic. 1910 seems to be the cut-off year for living longer. Scientists expect to see people living beyond 120 years in the coming decades. By 2030, they hope to see more people aged 120.

The average age is something different, and that can vary considerably, since it considers births and deaths. The Covid pandemic has caused the average age in the US to drop, with drug overdoses contributing to that.

"Top causes of death: Heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19 remained the top causes of death during 2021.
COVID-19: COVID-19 was the underlying cause for nearly 417,000 deaths last year, an 18.8 percent increase.
Drug overdose deaths: There were nearly 107,000 drug overdose deaths during 2021.
Deaths due to synthetic opioids other than methadone increased 22 percent. The rate of deaths involving heroin declined 32 percent."

Ironically, we have a certain amount of control over the causes of death listed above, yet many people continue to "live dangerously."

Drug overdose deaths have increased fourfold among those over 65. The drugs are not metabolized as quickly in these people, and they make mistakes taking the drugs. Also, older people have more prescriptions. In case you didn't realize it, life is tough.

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

I'm glad you are bringing this topic up. We all have much more control over how long each of us will live. I had a father who didn't believe in doctors. Hence, an avoidable colon cancer took his life. That was not necessary, but a bad choice in his case.

If we all investigate what is going on in our bodies, go to AND listen to our doctors, we are helping our bodies to live the length the body is capable of. I lost my two older brothers due to avoidable medical conditions.

In those rare occasions when someone might ask my age, I tell them the age of my birth certificate. I then add that my brain doesn't relate to that number, however. So mental state is important too.

The bottom line, we do have much more control of our life span, and the quality of that life. One hundred twenty years? Only time will tell.

MrBossHK Loc: The West Valley of Phoenix metro area

Is it reasonable to think that the Social Security retirement age might be bumped up to somewhere around 90 years to keep payers in the system longer before drawing benefits? That would provide approximately 30 years of benefits if reaching 120 years is considered average. The economics of a longer average lifespan is a very complicated subject.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

elliott937 wrote:

I'm glad you are bringing this topic up. We all h... (show quote)

And the depends on who you believe- The Scientist or The Church

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

elliott937 wrote:

I'm glad you are bringing this topic up. We all h... (show quote)

Unfortunately, we have lots of tempting things available to us that are bad for our health. I grew up among smokers - everyone, everywhere - yet I can't remember the last time I saw someone smoking.

ddgm Loc: Hamilton, Ontario & Fort Myers, FL

I too, grew up among smokers. Both parents, 4 of my 5 sisters and me since age 16. I quit, cold turkey at 28, as an example to my 2 children. Unfortunately they both started and still smoke, though not as much as I did, thanks to the no smoking laws in our country.

anotherview Loc: California

Practicing optimum nutrition also contributes to good health and may prolong life.

Controlling blood pressure with one small pill every day will remove the stress on bodily function and thus prevent early demise.

Losing weight if overweight will reduce the wear and tear on your body parts, thus preserving the quality of life. Do so by pushing the plate away when you feel full. This single action will reduce the intake of unnecessary calories without hunger.

Stop overdrinking alcohol. Stop doing drugs. You will thank yourself later for ending these abuses.

Drop the TV remote and get off the sofa. Take a short walk to stimulate yourself.

Almost all your health depends on you. Of course, see your medical doctor for your medical ills.

elliott937 wrote:

I'm glad you are bringing this topic up. We all h... (show quote)

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

I don’t understand why people want to live so long. Such long life spans are financially untenable for the average person. With the stagnation of wages for working folks, inflation, and the volatility of the financial markets, who can save enough money to support 40+ years of retirement? Living longer will probably mean working longer, but will there be jobs available for plder workers and an expanding younger worker? In the current political climate, SS is likely to be hobbled with reduced future payouts, further reducing old folks financial support. Also, whatever is developed for extending our lifespans will likely be very expensive. So all those centenarians will be a bunch of rich, ornery old farts. Sorry to be so negative, but that is reality.

Stan

Warhorse Loc: SE Michigan

I have smoked since I was around 13 years old. Am now 68 years old, and quitting again, I am pretty much an expert on smoking cessation, having quit once for 7 years, and multiple times for two-twelve months. Currently I have not smoked for two months, wish me luck and the inner strength to stay smoke free for the rest of my life. Indeed, it is a terrible addiction.

I must admit that I enjoy smoking, and that is what makes quitting so difficult for me. COPD is the result of all this.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

I would not be surprised to see us live for centuries due to all of the preservatives in our food.😜

anotherview Loc: California

Ditto: "it is a terrible addiction"

Warhorse wrote:

I have smoked since I was around 13 years old. Am now 68 years old, and quitting again, I am pretty much an expert on smoking cessation, having quit once for 7 years, and multiple times for two-twelve months. Currently I have not smoked for two months, wish me luck and the inner strength to stay smoke free for the rest of my life. Indeed, it is a terrible addiction.

I must admit that I enjoy smoking, and that is what makes quitting so difficult for me. COPD is the result of all this.

tramsey Loc: Texas

I smoked four packs of Winstons a day and discovered I was alcoholic. I quit them both on the same day October 21, 1976. For a long time I was a basket case. When my mind cleared it thought we (my mind and body) retired when we were twenty nine. But my body knew better. I watch the 21 K marathons on television and my mind says, 'We can do that.' My body tells it, 'Not with me.' It's a constant argument between the two with my body usually winning. My mind has convinced my body that age is relative, just a number.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

anotherview wrote:

Practicing optimum nutrition also contributes to g... (show quote)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

tramsey wrote:

My mind has convinced my body that age is relative, just a number.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

sippyjug104 wrote:

I would not be surprised to see us live for centuries due to all of the preservatives in our food.😜

I think those chemicals preserves the food, not the people who eat the food. If only!