Ancient Secrets of the Fountain of Youth

What is the potential for human longevity? What sort of vitality can we have in later life? Is there an ancient secret of the fountain of youth?

The oldest person in recorded history was Jeanne Calment of France, who died at the age of 122 years. Perhaps Jeanne knew the ancient secret of the fountain of youth.
The top ten oldest females, living today, range in age from 112 to 114 years. The age of the top ten living males ranges from 109 to 111 years. Perhaps they know the ancient secret of the fountain of youth.

Increases in longevity in recent years has largely been the result of lower death rates from heart disease and stroke in the above 55 years group.
 
Life expectancy in Australia in 1901 was 55yrs for males and 59 yrs for females. In 1996, life expectancy for males rose to 75yrs and 81yrs for females.  In 2003 life expectancy for males was 78yrs and 83yrs for females. It is predicted that by the year 2051 life expectancy for males will be 82yrs and females 86yrs. Are we breaking the ancient secret of the fountain of youth?

It would appear not!                                                                                                        

The above statistics show that the life expectancy of males and females is increasing. These trends are exciting on one hand, but on the other alarming.

Studies by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare between 1988 and 2003 showed that:
• males could expect, on average, to experience 18.6 years of life with disability (5.4yrs of severe or profound core activity limitation).
• females could expect, on average, to experience 20.7 years of life with disability (8.3yrs of severe or profound core activity limitation).

The ancient secret of the fountain of youth still evades us. Statistics show that we are living longer but on average our extra years are not healthy, active years.

Quality of life is not keeping pace with increases in life expectancy. The majority of elderly people have at least one major degenerative disease (arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes), with other “minor” health problems.

For tips in these areas work your way through this web site and start adopting the positive lifestyle changes discussed. In doing so you will experience a more abundant life.