I am 78 year and 6 months, female. I have twice yearly checkups, take no medications except tylenol once in a while for sinus headache. I am also 250 pounds. My mother died at 92, was also large. BUT, I don't eat a jigh fat diet, and very few sweets. I am not an exercise hound. I struggle to keep the weight coming off, and it does, very slowly. I feel good, except for a little arthritis. I do know the ancestors in the family were known for their long lifespans. I know I am blessed, and sometimes wonder when the health problems will start. I have always had a good sense of humor, and a forgiving nature. I pray each day and thank God for my health and that of my children and grandchildren. Attitude plays a big part in how you feel. I had a wonderful, loving husband and I have 4 children and 6 grandchildren. Who could ask for more?? Not me! Everyday is a blessing.
maryof TX3:05PM June 19, 2011
With conservative corporate corruption at an all-time high in America, with Wisconsin and Michigan writhing in pain from their demolished ruins of democracy, now is not the time to celebrate over America's, still lagging behind many other countries, life expectancy. Whereas, this is an age of modern medical miracles, without FREE-CHOICE, SOCIALIZED MEDICINE, America is still completely f***ed!!!
Christopher Millerof CA6:02AM March 18, 2011
I'm really surprised at some of the comments. There is an assumption, by some, that old age automatically means poor health at some point. It does not have to. There is a very good book called Food and Healing, by someone who has worked with nutrition and people most of her adult life. Some people in ancient times lived into their 80s in good health.
I saw a brief segment recently on the oldest (average) living people, who live on an island just off Japan. Of course, this is prior to the tsunami. Some were at the 100 mark or past it. The main answer that came up for living long was 'harmony'. I've heard some elderly people interviewed here in the U.S. say things like they did not worry so much about the little worrisome things in life, they tried to have a good attitude, were close to family and/or friends and genuinely enjoyed life.
It's very possible to live to a 'ripe old age'.
Tim Bof WA2:44AM March 18, 2011
I am 67 years old, in good health, am a woman and weigh 125 pounds. I want no tubes, no life support when the time comes. I want to leave this world the way I came in, full of vim and vigor. Also, I am so thankful for the good health I have enjoyed for all of my almost 68 years.
bettyof MO1:57AM March 18, 2011
Is the new age of 78 years and 2 months a quality life at its end? Or, is the extension just there because the most recent candidates were unconsious and couldn't tell the Doctor to unplug the machine? A quality end-of-life experience should be judged by what a person can do the day before they die. If that person can walk up the stairs in their house or apartment unaided except for the handrail and can bathe themselves and feed themselves and recognize their loved ones and carry on an intelligent conversation with them, then that person has had a quality end of life in my book. On the other hand, if that person has spent the last 8 years being turned from side to side in a nursing home every thirty minutes and has to be fed with a tube stuck down her throat and stairs constantly at the ceiling with little or no brain activity showing on the monitor, then that person cannot be counted as 'alive' no matter what her age. So, there you have it! It is not how long the Doctors can keep the body going. It is all about how long that person can function as a human being. That is what should be counted. ELP
e l prattof GA4:20PM March 17, 2011
Take out infant mortality in the past century's and compare them again. WE ARE LIVING LESS YEARS!!!
Danielof TX3:37PM March 17, 2011
this article is just feelgood propaganda and you know it
steveof AZ1:21PM March 17, 2011
What's the modal (majority) lifespan, as opposed to average/mean or median?
It's a total scam to talk about average/mean or median income or wealth as measures of national economic well-being, so I wonder what the difference is here?
John Kennardof KY1:04PM March 17, 2011
Whoopeeee, Us Fat people can eat food longer with our new increased life span. Pass the potatoes please, oh and the gravy to!
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mary of TX 3:05PM June 19, 2011
Christopher Miller of CA 6:02AM March 18, 2011
Tim B of WA 2:44AM March 18, 2011
betty of MO 1:57AM March 18, 2011
e l pratt of GA 4:20PM March 17, 2011
Daniel of TX 3:37PM March 17, 2011
steve of AZ 1:21PM March 17, 2011
John Kennard of KY 1:04PM March 17, 2011
nocroman of MI 12:52PM March 17, 2011