What Can We Learn From A 114 Year Old Man?

Written by Kathryn Savage

Studies suggest that seventy percent of longevity is up to us; whether we workout regularly, what we eat, how happy we are, what our stress levels are etc. So what can we learn about healthy aging from a Greek man who recently passed away at age 114, and who spent his life on a small, Mediterranean island?

Exercise
Until age 102, he rode a bicycle every day and worked in his family’s orchards.

Good genes are not everything
He has a centenarian brother whose two daughters, age 81 and 77, and nephew age 85, all live in a small town on the Spanish island of Minorca. Adolfo Díez Pérez of Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, who researched the whole family to look for genetic mutations that are associated with long life and healthy bones, (the KLOTHO gene, associated with longevity, and the LRP5 gene, linked to healthy bones), to see if genetic mutation may explain part of this families collective old age, did not find traces of such mutations. This family is undoubtedly doing something right. But for now, winning the genetic lottery does not seem to be this families recipe for longevity.

Family matters
His sibling and extended family all live on the same Spanish island.

That Mediterranean lifestyle...
Who wouldn’t want to live forever on a beautiful Greek island - no pollution, low stress - does this play a factor in longevity? Absolutely. Stress leads to bodily inflammation and may contribute to hypertension.

Healthy diet
While scientist have yet to say, "eat this and you’ll live forever," a healthy diet has a multitude of benefits. A healthy diet, 1) regulates digestion and provides nutrients, 2) keeps weight in a healthy range, 3) balances hormones and sleep patterns. Eating healthy is something we can all do. If you have amazing genes great, you won't be hurting your body, and you may be helping yourself live longer. If you’re suffering from a disease, a chronic condition, maybe a healthy diet will help your body get better, faster.

Taking good care of your body may not add years to your life, but it will add life to your years!

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