Do you ever wonder at that statistic claiming Americans are now living longer than ever before? Thanks to my latest read: Healthy at 100, by John Robbins (son of the Baskin-Robbins ice cream empire), I finally understand. Americans are living to a longer average age, due to drugs and medical technology, but they also begin dying sooner in life than ever before. In other words, Americans don't just live longer, they take longer to die. That doesn't sound nearly as good as the original statistic.
In contrast, John Robbins portrays four remote people groups (two in the Near East, one in South America, and one in Japan - the Okinawans) who were studied in great detail within the last 40 years, and noted for their longevity. These folks shocked researchers since not only did a high percentage live to be centenarians (100 years old), but they lived incredibly healthy, mobile lives in their 80's and 90's. Investigators found almost no cancer, dementia, arthritis, diabetes, or signs of heart disease at all. And perhaps best of all, people took very little time to die, as opposed to living with chronic disease for decades.
So besides physical activity, what do these populations have in common? Of course, their diets were free from processed foods since they lived in remote areas. What did they eat? Mostly plant foods. Each group consumed 90% or more of their calories from fruit, vegetables, grains and legumes. In addition, you can bet their produce was fresh, since they didn't have imported foods. These groups ate plant foods that were organic, locally-grown and in season. They are a nutritionist's dream... and a real life reminder to the rest of us that what we eat determines the way we age.
So in case you don't read Healthy at 100 for yourself, please remember this: we don't have to suffer chronic disease and end up in a care facility in our senior years. We have the power to prevent disease and aging, but the time to use this power isn't when we've been diagnosed with an illness - it's right now. So what's stopping you?
Labels: longevity
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I read the book and thought it was great.
As to the above question, how long does it take, are there any studies? Studies would be difficult because of the condition of each person is different, but I showed improvement within the first three months, and increases in my good health as time went on. I followed it pretty strictly with no junk foods or processed foods. The changes are amazing.
Follow Bronwyn's advice!
I believe Robbins removed himself from the family business because he began to recognize the health hazards as his family members were all becoming overweight, diabetic and dead, did he not?
And although I have never had cancer, I grew up in the midwest, consuming meat, milk and potatoes like everyone else. At age 38, I feel better than most 20-year-olds on a "midwestern diet".
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