Human Longevity: The Major Determining Factors
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Few, if any, subjects occupy and fascinate the human mind as much as that of life and death. Unfortunately, as noted by Benjamin Franklin over 200 years ago, “There are few things which are appreciated more in their absence and less in their presence than health. When we have it, we take it for granted, giving little care to its preservation. When we do not have it, there is precious little we would not do to get it back.” Aging, a very fascinating, complex and multifactorial process, has been speculated about throughout history. However, only relatively recently has the scientific community made major inroads attempting to understand it. Indeed, evolution, genetics, free radicals, protein glycosylation, the immune and neuroendocrine system, among others, have now been implicated. Unfortunately, the biology of aging remains conspicuously absent from school curriculums, and there are relatively few courses that cover the subject even at the university level. This neglect is curious since most people find the topic of great interest and of personal relevance. Two thousand years ago, the average life expectancy of a Roman citizen was about 22 years (wars, infectious diseases, trauma, etc). By 1900, it had increased to 47 years. Today, the average life expectancy in the U.S. is approximately 30 years longer than it was a century ago [mixed sexes, about 78 years (men, 76; women, 81); longer in Japan and some European countries]. However, the average person is born with strong enough longevity genes to live to age 85 and perhaps longer. Unfortunately, our “health span”, the portion of our life when we are vigorous, healthy, and free from chronic disease, is not keeping pace. Nevertheless, most people who take appropriate preventive steps to prevent or delay a chronic disease will likely add ten or more quality years to their lives. Indeed, growing older does not necessarily mean growing sicker. Therefore, “don't just add years to your life, add life to your years” (Hans Selye). Importantly, if we strive to improve our health, we will not only live longer and be more healthy, but will reduce medical expenditures by billions of dollars each year. Physicians are primarily trained to diagnose and treat diseases and physical and psychiatric disorders. As such, they often encounter people only when they are sick or have signs and/or symptoms of a disease. Moreover, “managed care” groups limit the time physicians have with each patient and therefore inadequate time to be certain that their patients fully understand their condition and what is needed to improve their health. Yet, at least 65% of the major causes of disease and eventual death are lifestyle-related. Can there be any doubt that disease and disability prevention are significantly better than treatment? It is extremely important that physicians and other healthcare providers, managed care directors, school teachers, local and federal government officials and news
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About the Book
Two thousand years ago, the average life expectancy from birth to death of a Roman citizen, an individual better off than most people at that time, was about 22 years (wars, infectious diseases, trauma, etc.). This progressively increased to about 47 years in the U.S. and most European countries by 1900. Today, the average life expectancy in the U.S. is 78 years (women about five years more than men). However, unless the obesity pandemic is reversed and lifestyles improved, the average life expectancy will likely decrease significantly. conversely, if our lifestyles improve, the average life expectancy could reach 85 or more years. Growing older does not necessarily mean growing sicker. Thus, "don't just add years to your life, add life to your years" (Hans Selve). Indeed, of the 15 major causes of death in the U.S., 65-70% are lifestyle-related. In this book, the following documented topics that are associated with diseases and mortality are discussed in detail: theories of aging; diseases and mortality associated with obesity, physical inactivity and poor nutrition; psychological stress (anxiety, depression); addiction (alcohol, tobacco, drugs); violence (suicide, homicide); food-borne and infectious diseases (viral, bacterial, parasitic); and various other conditions (air pollution, asbestosis, trace metals).
About the Author
The author, a medical school professor, was an organic chemist prior to entering medical school and specializing in pathology. He has now authored/co-authored more than 100 published scientific papers, five books, and given numerous oral presentations at national meetings. He was recently (2010) presented the "Clinical Scientist of the Year" award at the annual Association of Clinical Scientists meeting.