By SHARON McMAHON
Be Well
“Live long and prosper.” – Mr. Spock
Although I am not a “Trekkie” as such, I do admit to being partial to Spock’s outlook on life which downplayed emotional responses and focused on logic. Sadly, Leonard Nimoy is no longer with us, but he will forever be associated with the four simple words noted above. Of course, the last word “prosper” can be interpreted differently by those who wish to do so, but “live long” is a term which resonates with most of us.
Longevity – maybe that word strikes a chord with me now that I have officially entered the wonderful world of Medicare, but I do observe that many magazine and internet articles, as well as other media often focus on the subject as well. Caleb Finch, noted gerontologist, notes in the 2012 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that life expectancy in ancient Greece and Rome averaged 25 to 35 years. In years 1500 to 1800, the average life span was 30 to 40 years, and post-1800 the average lifespan doubled.1
Good news on that average life span, right? Not so fast. The rise in life expectancy that we have enjoyed for over 200 years now can halt, or even reverse, in the 21st century due to obesity.2 In particular, our country alone has seen a rise in obesity which now claims more than one third (34.9 percent, or 78.6 million) of U.S. adults.3 This figure does not even include children; that is an article for another day … unfortunately.
Additionally, from 2019 to 2021 the life expectancy of Native Americans fell from 71.8 years to 65.2 years. The average Native American person is now expected to live as long as the average American did in 1944.3
Well… sigh. What to do? Tragically many people succumb at early ages due to disease factors over which they have no control, most of us can actively control our longevity – note the word “active” I tossed in there!
Our sedentary habits and fast-food and junk-food habits are costing us dearly, which brings me to the last word of Spock’s exhortation – “prosper.” Now that is an interesting word which many can interpret differently! However, for this column I refer to one of the definitions given by Merriam-Webster Online which is “to become very active, healthy, or strong.” (Of course, another definition addresses financial prosperity, but I will leave that to the experts to advise!)
Many of us have watched our family members or friends decline in their advancing years and while certainly some decline is part of the aging process it is not necessary to speed that process along. Obviously, it is best to begin pursuing a healthy lifestyle at a young age, but it is never too late – let’s move, fellow Baby Boomers!
We are so blessed in America to have many options for activity and exercise, and for choosing fresh, healthy foods without preservatives, hormones and antibiotics added to our foods. It really is okay to exercise without texting, and to park your car, walk into the grocery and actually select healthy items instead of ordering your food through a speaker while seated in your car – texting of course. (I have nothing against texting; just don’t run into me while you are texting while walking or driving!)
I hope all of you do “live long and prosper” – so breathe deeply, take a break from technology, sleep well, stay active, nourish your body – be the best YOU possible!
1Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2012.
2New England Journal of Medicine, 2005
3Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.