How much longer will I live, has been an important question since I was first diagnosed with Heart Failure, Permanent Atrial Fibrillation and Diabetes 2; back in January 1987.
My health continued to get progressively worse, despite the medications. Around 2003, I had frequent chest pains, palpitations, anxiety, depression, was very weak, had swollen legs, ankles and feet. I had constant breathing problems and had to sit straight up in order to sleep or watch TV. I really felt that, along with my decreased health and quality of life, my days were numbered.
Fast forward to now. I am close to 70. I do ten minutes per day on my stepper and 6 minutes on my stationary bike; and 500 pushups, 200 weight curls, 140 weight lifts and one hour power walk almost every day. Plus...... according to my last Echocardiogram and other heart tests, my Heart is getting better, my heart valves are functioning better and I am in extraordinarily good shape for a man my age, regardless of my Heart Failure! And...... my blood sugars are at very healthy levels all the time.
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Originally Posted by JohnR41
I would think that lifestyle gets more important as one gets older.
I am living proof of it. I made major changes to my lifestyle, especially regarding diet and exercise, and I have been getting progressively better since 2003. I feel not only stronger, at age 70, but I also feel good almost every day. I no longer feel sickly. I really feel good!
If lifestyle changes can do so much good for heart failure patients, imagine what good it could do for other health problems!
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Originally Posted by JohnR41
The risk for mental decline increases with age, so staying mentally active, at any age, seems to be as important as exercising one's muscles. Remember the old saying: "Use it or lose it."
Say it ain't so, John!
My driving skills are not as good as they were. My concentration and awareness have declined, along with my memory. I take several heart medications, so I wonder how much these meds have to do with my concentration and memory problems, but I know age is a factor!
That said, discounting any unseen or unexpected happening, I now have reasonable expectation to make it another 10 years, until I am 80; and haven't ruled out 90.
At one time, I was being considered for a heart transplant. I can now climb up on the roof and do roof repair among other husbandly chores requested by my wife. It seems that, somehow, someway, my wife found out that I was much better!
How much longer will I live, has been an important question since I was first diagnosed with Heart Failure, Permanent Atrial Fibrillation and Diabetes 2; back in January 1987.
My health continued to get progressively worse, despite the medications. Around 2003, I had frequent chest pains, palpitations, anxiety, depression, was very weak, had swollen legs, ankles and feet. I had constant breathing problems and had to sit straight up in order to sleep or watch TV. I really felt that, along with my decreased health and quality of life, my days were numbered.
Fast forward to now. I am close to 70. I do ten minutes per day on my stepper and 6 minutes on my stationary bike; and 500 pushups, 200 weight curls, 140 weight lifts and one hour power walk almost every day. Plus...... according to my last Echocardiogram and other heart tests, my Heart is getting better, my heart valves are functioning better and I am in extraordinarily good shape for a man my age, regardless of my Heart Failure! And...... my blood sugars are at very healthy levels all the time.
I am living proof of it. I made major changes to my lifestyle, especially regarding diet and exercise, and I have been getting progressively better since 2003. I feel not only stronger, at age 70, but I also feel good almost every day. I no longer feel sickly. I really feel good!
If lifestyle changes can do so much good for heart failure patients, imagine what good it could do for other health problems!
Say it ain't so, John!
My driving skills are not as good as they were. My concentration and awareness have declined, along with my memory. I take several heart medications, so I wonder how much these meds have to do with my concentration and memory problems, but I know age is a factor!
That said, discounting any unseen or unexpected happening, I now have reasonable expectation to make it another 10 years, until I am 80; and haven't ruled out 90.
At one time, I was being considered for a heart transplant. I can now climb up on the roof and do roof repair among other husbandly chores requested by my wife. It seems that, somehow, someway, my wife found out that I was much better!
Machaon it sounds like you are doing all the right things for longevity. We do our part and let God do His part. I think it is good to take a look at ones self and see where we are going and what we can do to help ourselves along the way. It's a good day and age to live in when we have such fine medical help and can help us achieve our goals of long life. (Stay off the roof my friend.)
My driving skills are not as good as they were. My concentration and awareness have declined, along with my memory. I take several heart medications, so I wonder how much these meds have to do with my concentration and memory problems, but I know age is a factor!
I often feel that my mental abilities are slowly declining. What I dislike the most is when I try to remember the name of something, some person, or a word, and it just won't come to me. I find that very discouraging. Thankfully, they claim this can be a normal part of aging and not dementia. Then there are really good days when I feel I am as good as ever.
They say if you misplace your car keys that's normal, but if you forget that you own a car, that's a serious indication of mental decline. When I was about 18 or 19 my mother was searching all over the house for her eyeglasses. She told me she couldn't imagine where they could be. When she said that, I noticed that she was wearing glasses. So, I told her and she was very surprised and embarrassed. Also, occasionally, she would have trouble with names. When I was going to grammar school, she kept calling my best friend "Humphrey". His name was Jeffrey. However, this was not a sign of dementia. She lived to the age of 83 and only had some mental decline in her last year of life because of "fluid pressure" on her brain.
Ordinary forgetfulness can be caused by being tired, lack of sleep, stress, vitamin deficiency and/or a prescription drug. Sometimes you may need more of a certain vitamin(s) because of taking prescription drugs.
I believe we may have the ability to overcome our mental deficiencies the same way that you have overcome your physical deficiencies. It's somewhat uncharted territory, but why not? Look at how you surprised your doctor by improving your physical condition. 15 or 20 years ago, almost all doctors believed that once you lost brain cells, you could never get them back. But today they all know that we have the ability to build new brain cells. Exercise and good nutrition is a big part of it but there's more; it involves a complete lifestyle. We need to get everything working together like sleep and controlling stress, as I mentioned above.
Last edited by JohnR41; 12-03-2011 at 10:08 AM.
The Following User Says Thank You to JohnR41 For This Useful Post: Machaon (12-03-2011)
I think 80 is a good number to shoot for.
Of course, I doubt I'll feel that way once my seventies roll around.
davee 76,
Your seventies will roll around so quickly and, I am not going to shoot for 80 as I am almost there, but, like my parents, I want to shoot for the 100 mark or at least into my 90's and that too is not that far away. I still work and love life as much as I physically can.
I often feel that my mental abilities are slowly declining. What I dislike the most is when I try to remember the name of something, some person, or a word, and it just won't come to me. I find that very discouraging. Thankfully, they claim this can be a normal part of aging and not dementia. Then there are really good days when I feel I am as good as ever.
Forgetting names or words is a little unnerving and aggravating. It makes one wonder if it is going to get much worse as one ages.
I really want to be able to trust my own judgement and reasoning, as I age. Aging also is supposed to take it's toll on reasoning power. That is why the scammers tend to target us "elderly" rather than the younger and more alert.
But..... so far, the reasoning is doing OK, but forgetting names and words really stinks!
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They say if you misplace your car keys that's normal, but if you forget that you own a car, that's a serious indication of mental decline.
I agree. Forgetting common ordinary life functions is a bad sign, such as forgetting how to do the laundry, or the dishes, or how to rationally respond to posts on HealthBoards, etc.
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When I was about 18 or 19 my mother was searching all over the house for her eyeglasses. She told me she couldn't imagine where they could be. When she said that, I noticed that she was wearing glasses. So, I told her and she was very surprised and embarrassed.
Watch it! I've done that!
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Also, occasionally, she would have trouble with names. When I was going to grammar school, she kept calling my best friend "Humphrey". His name was Jeffrey. However, this was not a sign of dementia. She lived to the age of 83 and only had some mental decline in her last year of life because of "fluid pressure" on her brain.
Yeh..... the glasses thing is just a little slip. If you forget that to wear your glasses, and wonder why things are so fuzzy, that should be a warning signal.
Sorry to hear about your mother's "fluid pressure" problems. I hope that she, and you, didn't suffer much near the end.
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Ordinary forgetfulness can be caused by being tired, lack of sleep, stress, vitamin deficiency and/or a prescription drug. Sometimes you may need more of a certain vitamin(s) because of taking prescription drugs.
My meds, even though they are life saving, and have greatly improved the quality of my life, come with many uncomfortable side effects, and I wonder how many of my symptoms are age-related, or med-related.
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I believe we may have the ability to overcome our mental deficiencies the same way that you have overcome your physical deficiencies. It's somewhat uncharted territory, but why not?
I agree with you. I don't care what type of illness one has (including aging). The combination of effective medications, healthy diet, exercise and avoiding irritants in one's home; will definite improve the health AND mind.
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Look at how you surprised your doctor by improving your physical condition.
It surprised me too! I thought that with progressively worsening Heart Failure that I was doomed. Not so!
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15 or 20 years ago, almost all doctors believed that once you lost brain cells, you could never get them back. But today they all know that we have the ability to build new brain cells. Exercise and good nutrition is a big part of it but there's more; it involves a complete lifestyle. We need to get everything working together like sleep and controlling stress, as I mentioned above.
I'm glad that I revisited your post and decided to respond. I want to research the ability to regrow brain cells. Thanks for bringing this up! Perhaps, at another time, we can compare notes.
I really appreciate your efforts . May you live long and healthy .
Tariq456, it seems like to be able to live a long and healthy life it had to start before my generation. In my case my ancestors did not have heart disease, cancer, nor did they smoke.
I'm glad that I revisited your post and decided to respond. I want to research the ability to regrow brain cells. Thanks for bringing this up! Perhaps, at another time, we can compare notes.
I'm glad you posted too. Anytime you want to talk about this subject, I'm ready to participate; I'm always happy to compare notes.
[QUOTE=JohnR41;4891879]I'm glad you posted too. Anytime you want to talk about this subject, I'm ready to participate; I'm always happy to compare notes.
John R, I have a friend who is a physician and a cousin who is doing research on the brain paticularly in older persons. Apparently there is some headway being made in this area. (pardon the pun)
I personally don't have high expectations for a really long life - maybe an average life span of 60-70, if even that. I've just always felt it's silly to "dream big" and assume one will live to a triple digit age. Besides, if the health problems my grandmother had are at all hereditary, I don't think I'd want to live for too long. Seeing the terrible condition she was in during her final years due to dementia and Parkinson's makes me hope if I begin falling into dementia or illness that I can end my life before those illnesses destroy my mind.
Besides, I'm not a healthy weight despite dieting, and you never see fat old ladies. Sure I don't smoke, drink, or do any drugs, but who knows how sick I'll be as I get older.
I can only hope the years I do have will provide me with at least a few good memories and that I do not lose my mind as I get older. I want to be sane and lucid and be able to remember my loved ones for my whole life.
The following user gives a hug of support to Dark Stranger: SREIM (12-19-2011)
I personally don't have high expectations for a really long life - maybe an average life span of 60-70, if even that. I've just always felt it's silly to "dream big" and assume one will live to a triple digit age. Besides, if the health problems my grandmother had are at all hereditary, I don't think I'd want to live for too long. Seeing the terrible condition she was in during her final years due to dementia and Parkinson's makes me hope if I begin falling into dementia or illness that I can end my life before those illnesses destroy my mind.
Besides, I'm not a healthy weight despite dieting, and you never see fat old ladies. Sure I don't smoke, drink, or do any drugs, but who knows how sick I'll be as I get older.
I can only hope the years I do have will provide me with at least a few good memories and that I do not lose my mind as I get older. I want to be sane and lucid and be able to remember my loved ones for my whole life.
Dark Stranger,
I think you speak as probably most people feel. None of us want to be embarressed with some form of dementia late in life. If we are young now (I am not) one thinks the age of 60-70 is way far out there. And, if one has had loved ones with whom you have seen to have some terrible diseases we would not want to go through that either so that is why I say you speak as I think most people feel.
However in my case, my ancestors for the most part are living close to or into the triple digits. They have not had dementia, nor the awful diseases. They led pretty clean lives with no smoking, drinking, or bad vices yet they were all over weight as we are today.
I also think the person was right who said early on in this thread that no doubt enviroment and heredity has something to do with long life. In my case this appears to be true. I expect to keep going even tho I have arthritis, knees that need to be replaced and I ache all over. Plus, I continue to work and have a large clientel who depend on me to be there for them at the time when they need me.
Last edited by SREIM; 12-19-2011 at 01:39 AM.
Reason: did not sign my comments--SREIM
I don't think when we leave this realm is in our hands. Some are self-destructive or fool-hardy and remain alive, and others are careful and health conscious and die early. Accidents happen, yet some survive serious injury and others die from minor injury. I think the attitude is within our own control, but that life and death are not. This is fine with me. it helps me make better choices, since i probably will have to live with my choices.
I get your sense of humor with the fact that you are going to live as long as you are alive. I do think as probably you do as well that we have some control over our lives in the fact that we could do something deliberate to ourselves and thus shorten our lives such as suicide. However I think it is not all up to us in our longevity but God has His intervention and plan for us as well. But I also think genetics has a lot to do with it as in my example earlier with my parents living to 99 and 100. May you live out your dreams and have a happy and prosperous life. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
But I also think genetics has a lot to do with it as in my example earlier with my parents living to 99 and 100.
I agree that genes have something to do with it. However, environment is at least equally important. A book I read, "The dependent Gene", stated that it's about 50/50. Sometimes it takes an exagerated example to see the truth: Suppose you changed your diet to nothing but pastries and soda. What would you logically expect this diet to do to your health and longevity? Would you expect good genes to save the day? I don't think so.
Then, in a more recent book, "The Biology of Belief", the author stated that, "genes are not our destiny". He stated that only a few diseases are totally genetic. One he mentioned was cistic fibrosis. The most important thing a gene does is to provide a blueprint for the replication of a cell. Perhaps millions of our cells are being replaced daily and genes provide the blueprints to get the job done. However, to get the job done, we have to supply the building blocks by eating a healthy diet.
That's what I learned by reading but I've also learned from looking at my ancestors. What I've noticed is this: My grandparents and greatgrandparents seem (on average) to have lived longer. I just learned that one of my ancestors lived to 106. According to a "family tree", that was given to me, he was born in 1850 and died in 1956. I had a great aunt who lived to 100, a grandfather who lived to 97 and a grandmother who lived to 89. What I've come to realize is that they ate more natural whole foods like fresh fruit and vegetables and relied less on processed foods.
Although I've had two aunts live to 89 and my mother lived to 83, most did not make it to age 80. I had an uncle, for example, who drank alcohol and smoked and died in his 50s. With modern medicine and more prosperity you would think that that would increase our longevity. Insetead, it's slowly declining.
Conclusion: As recent generations have become more prosperous, there's more disposable income to spend on eating out and convenience (processed) foods at home. Also, there are more labor saving devices so we usually get less exercise.
My ancestor, who was born in 1850 and lived to 106, most likely never owned a car. None of my grandparents ever owned a car. They had vegetable gardens and did a lot of walking.
I should have said earlier that I do believe environment has a lot to do with longevity. When I was young all we had was a garden a few chickens, fruit trees, a cow and hogs. We did not have a car, but we did have a Farm-All tractor. City people had what was called Victory gardens.
We did a lot of hard work which no doubt gave us the exercise that we needed in that day. There were no gyms with its repeticious activities.
I would not want to go back to that day but I will say the vegetables and fruits were so tasty. The strawberries were sweet even tho they were small.
Our butter we made by hand, the eggs were fresh and the meat was good.
Everyone have a Merry Christmas. The baby Jesus came to a crowded Inn but he left from an empty tomb.
Actually when I was very young I do something to myself that is proven to always kill a person, and here I am. Others wither away and die from much less. That taught me that there is something beyond our understanding. In considering my history, I have never met a doctor that understands why I am still alive. I frankly don't know either, because it wasn't from me wanting to be here. I did in the last few years come to grips with my lot in life and now I am completely Ok with it.
Not that I like pain or suffering.
Yeah, genetics may have something to do with it, but then one person in a family line may be the one that didn't get the longevity genes. There's no way to predict for sure, I think. It's the age old question: where is that fountain of youth.
I was raised in an environment similar to you, except we had a car. Knowing what food is supposed to taste like is wonderful, except unless I grow it myself food rarely tastes like it should. We made our own sauerkraut, pickles, and jam, drank delicious non mucus forming raw milk, ate real cream and butter, and no preservatives or hormones or refined, processed foods touched our lips.
Those were the days! Merry Christmas to YOU!
Last edited by jillian4; 12-24-2011 at 09:32 PM.
Reason: I always forget something!
The following user gives a hug of support to jillian4: SREIM (12-25-2011)
Jill, here we are on Christmas morning writing on a blog with ficticious names, trying to figure out (no doubt) how far back we can remember Christmases of past and why we are alive yet to talk about it. I am glad this longevity "thing" we don't have to figure out but we can live here in the now and look back at our past.
I can remember going out in the field and cutting down what we called, a wild Christmas tree, one that grew where it was not suppose to. We strung pop corn and cranberries as our garland and had some tin foil icles that we threw at the tree and where it landed was where it stayed.
For a treat I can remember making home made ice cream with snow for ice. In fact we did not have an ice box, our refrigerator was a wooden box that dad had attached to the out side of the house on the bottom of the window. So, all you did was open the window and there was the milk, eggs and butter stored for the next meal.
I also remember pumping water for the animals and sticking ones tongue on the cold pump handle. One knows the rest of that story. Ugh!
I can remember a present would be a booklet of paper dolls to cut out and possibly a coloring book of a famous movie star of that day.
For our Christmas meal we would have a pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, home made catsup from the tomatoes from our garden, carrots from our summer crop and fruit cake which was a home made cake made with raisins or currents and apple sauce, It was sooo good. (Mom would make it at thanksgiving time and let it ripen until Christmas.) Then we would end our meal with my dad reading the Christmas story.
With longevity this is what we can look back at. Now this night I can look back at a night without sleep due to pain but the past memories brings joy to my heart that I can remember the pleasures of my youth.
And, with this to all a good night. Signed--with that fictious name--SREIM.
Last edited by Administrator; 06-14-2013 at 09:21 AM.
And...... my blood sugars are at very healthy levels all the time. 
Re: What are your expectations for longevity? 
Re: What are your expectations for longevity? 
