In case you missed 60 MInutes last night, here is part one of Lesley Stahl's story on living to age 90 and beyond.
"Since the start of the 20th century, we have increased life expectancy in this country by a remarkable 30 years -- from just 49 in 1900, to almost 79 today. And more and more of us are making it into that group we all hope -- and kinda dread -- joining, the over 90 crowd, affectionately dubbed 'the oldest old.'"
"Men and women above the age of 90 are now the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population. Yet very little is known about the oldest old, since until recently, there were so few of them. So what determines which of us will make it past age 90? What kind of shape we'll be in if we do? And what can we do now to up our odds? Finding out is the goal of a groundbreaking research study known as '90+.'"
Among the factors that helped the seniors in the study reach "90+" include:
1) 15- 45 minutes of moderate exercise each day.
2) Social activities.
3) Moderate alcohol consumption (1-2 drinks per day).
4) Moderate caffeine consumption (1-3 cups of coffee per day).
5) Being at a healthy weight for your height or just slightly overweight.
Which of these contributing factors surprised you the most?
Finally, please let me know if you have any questions, or problems copying and pasting the link below into your browser so you can read the entire article.
Please let me know if you have any questions, or problems copying and pasting the link below into your browser so you can read the entire article.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/living-to-90-and-beyond/