Fountain of Youth

Since the days of Ponce de Leon, we have had a history of searching for longevity.  Despite the fact that Americans live well into their 70’s, the CIA ranks the United States just 43^rd on their list of international life expectancy.  When we look at the top ten countries on the list, patterns start to reveal themselves.

Monaco tops the list with a life expectancy of 89.40 years.  Much of their success is attributed to the Mediterranean diet that is proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, known to kill over a million Americans each year.  Many also believe the relaxed way of life contributes to their older age and better health.  The Japanese have an amazingly low obesity rate of just 3.6% as compared to our 33.9% obesity percentage.  Their success is related to all the fresh vegetable, brown rice, and the omega 3 fatty acid benefits of the fresh fish.  This diet lowers blood pressure and the risk of stroke.  Other places such as Singapore and Andorra relate their clean environment, restricted smoking areas, and habits of outside activity to their better health.  Italians credit the olive oil and red wine for improving their cholesterol levels.  Likewise, they credit the use of spices such as basil, oregano, and garlic over the high salt diet that contributes to high blood pressure and stroke for Americans.  In addition to the healthier diets, all the nations topping the list are considered wealthier and as a rule spend more money to promote their own health.

While we have a history of seeking for longer life, what about quality of life?  Who wants to live longer if those extra years are spent coping with pain, disease and living incapacitated?  The great news is that lifestyle works!  The same healthy lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, and stress reduction) that promote longevity are the same habits that reduce the risk of every disease and improve brain and organ function and insure a higher quality of life.