Living to 100

So, you want to live to 100?

That is a wonderful goal.

Would you mind if I join you on this journey?

Just so we know, this will not be easy. Statically, the chances of us living to 100 in the United States is .04%. But here is the good news. This number will increase to .4% by 2025, the exact year that many of us will reach 100 years old.

Ok, that is kinda good news.

So what is our plan?

Genetics? Yes, genetics play a role, but not as much as we once thought. Genetics only affects our health and longevity in the range of 15-30%. Just a little more to reach our goal of 100.

The big part of the plan is well within our control. I love this.

Are you ready for the Big Reveal?

Lifestyle, the choices we make on a daily basis will affect our chances to reach 100. But you already knew this right? And, you are already living a healthy lifestyle right?

So here is my challenge to you…and me.

What can we do to enhance our plan. I am not pointing fingers, except at my self. You can use your own finger.

I feel pretty certain, there is something we can all do to enhance our plan.

Let’s start by reviewing the key elements of longevity to see were we may be able to level up:

1. Sleep
   A regular pattern of healthy sleep is a great way to start.

2. Exercise
   Movement of some kind on a daily basis.

3. Nutrition
   This is an area that I know I can improve on. I love my chocolate ice cream just a little too much.

4. Socialization
   Relationships are critical as we grow older. Research consistently links relationships with better health and longevity.

5. Purpose
   In the Blue Zones they call this Ikagai, a reason to rise in the morning.
   Our purpose does not need to be grandiose. Purpose isn’t about how important something looks to others. It’s about how meaningful it is to you.

Living to 100 is not a finish line. It is an invitation to ask ourselves-

What can I do today to improve my odds of being here many years from now.

We don’t just want to live to 100. We want to live well along the journey.

Maybe we need to change our goal. Our goal should be to live well each day and every day. And if we do, this will increase our chances of living to 100, one day at a time, and enjoying the journey along the way.

Enjoy your day,

Just a little extra-

Let me be the first to wish you a happy National Centenarian Day. A little early I know, I am just projecting.

This holiday is celebrated on September 22 and started in the 1980s by a Williamsport Nursing Home in Maryland. It is the 265th day of the year leaving 100 days left.

Someday this will be ours to celebrate.

---

References

Cole, Garry. February 2024. Are We Old Yet? (Yes, I used my book as a reference)