Super Centenarians Defy All Odds and Live Very Long, Healthy Lives

Declining physical prowess is inevitable as we age. Depression, loneliness, isolation and apathy are not. Many of us believe we are old when we have passed age 60, 50, 40 and even 30. But even when we are approaching 100 or more, we could possibly live another 10 or even 20 years. Recently deceased and some currently living centenarians are teaching us that perhaps our beliefs about aging have been incorrect.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were about 3,000 Americans over 100 years of age in 1950, about 37,306 in 1960, 73,674 in 2004, and there will be an estimated 1.1 million by 2050. Longevity appears to be more about healthy lifestyle than about genetics and DNA. Studying what has helped some people to live way beyond the normal expectations can help us all to improve the quality of our life and our own longevity. Some of the ages listed below may be slightly exaggerated due to inaccurate record keeping, but those in the United States are correct.

Deceased Super Centenarians

o Age 128 - Elizabeth "Ma Pampo" Israel of the Caribbean Island Dominica died 10/14/03. Authorities attribute her longevity to the tranquility of Dominica, the world's "centenarian capital," with more than 20 men and women over age 100 among its 70,000 inhabitants. "For much of her life, she ...worked in the sugarcane fields...and she rose every morning at 5 A.M. to pray."

o Age 122, 5 months and 14 days - Jeanne Calment of Arles, France, a wealthy woman who never had to work. She died in 8/4/97, the oldest documented person at that time. Her advice? "Always keep your smile."

o Age 119 - Sarah Knauss died in 1999, the oldest American in history.

o Age 112 - George Johnson "Sausage Man," who died recently, had lived on a high fat diet of sausage and waffles, yet he had the organs of someone in their 50's or 60's.

Currently Living Super Centenarians

There are 75 people alive - 64 women and 11 men - who are 110 or older, according to the Gerontology Research Group, an Inglewood, Calif.-based group that verifies reports of extreme ages. Scientists have found certain genetic mutations in centenarians that may help to delay aging or boost resistance to age-related disease. The general consensus is that it is a combination of genetics and environmental factors such as health habits and a positive attitude, not dwelling on stress.

o Age 120 - Mariam Amash, in applying for a new Israeli identity card in February 2008, claimed to have been born 120 years ago, which, if verified, would make her the oldest living person in the world. A relative says she drinks a glass of olive oil every day.

Live Naturally - 6 Reasons For Healthy Living

I've decided to take natural living to a new level in my own life. I have to say that as healthy as I thought I was, I was nowhere near really living naturally. With every step I take, I see a new layer of "fake" stuff in our so-called regular way of living. I see new ways to be more and more natural. It can be quite overwhelming and sometimes I feel a bit discouraged. Mostly though, I feel excited about learning more and I feel determined to live as naturally as I can.
While making changes to be healthier by living more naturally is challenging in some ways, it's actually quite simple. I know that seems contradictory, however the point is that the simpler something is, the more natural it is. On the other hand, the challenge comes into play because some things are deceptive in appearing as though they are natural and even claiming to be "natural", yet they really are not (at least according to my personal standards).
Some people might wonder why I would go to so much trouble. More importantly, you might wonder why you would consider it for yourself. I'd like to share with you just a few reasons why making the effort to live more naturally will have a super healthy payoff that makes it well worth the work it takes.
1. You are what you eat.
Your body is designed as a sort of "factory". There are all kinds of processes taking place in this factory and the food we consume fuels those processes. Your body or your "factory" is designed to be fueled by food. When you put unnatural products, chemicals and preservatives into your "factory", you can get unpredictable, unnatural results and "gunk up" the system.
2. Your health is invaluable.
When you "gunk up" the system of your body, it could (and probably will) negatively affect your health. When you eat and live more naturally, you remove these unpredictable factors and allow your body to maintain itself in a more healthy state.
3. Eating and living more naturally gives you more energy.
Energy is critical to allowing you to live the most extraordinary life possible.
4. Living more naturally can feel quite gratifying.
When you start cooking with more natural ingredients and making more things from scratch, you will not only feel healthier, you will start to feel a strong sense of accomplishment and independence.
5. Creates a spiritual connection.
You may feel more of a spiritual connection as you begin to live more naturally. This is especially true when you appreciate the connection between your body and your food. The process of cooking with natural ingredients and growing your own food can be quite meditative and reflective.
6. Awareness and empowerment over your own well-being.
As you focus on living more naturally, you become much more aware of the things you put into your body and the things you expose your body to. You become more aware of your health and your personal well-being. It is very enlightening and empowering.
There is no question that these enhancements to my life are well worth a bit of extra effort to optimize my health and well-being by living more naturally. You decide for yourself if it's worth it to you.