Tufts Newsletter September 2012

“Even well into your “golden years,” staying active both physically and socially can add to your lifespan, according to a new Swedish study. Karolinska Institute scientists followed 1,810 men and women age 75 and up for 18 years, during which 91.8% died. Those who were physically active and participated in social activities lived an average 5.4 years longer than less-active participants. Even at age 85 or older, an active and social lifestyle was associated with an extra 4 years of longevity. Other factors associated with longer life included normal weight (about 1 year longer than those who were underweight), not smoking (1 year) and alcohol use (1.3 years longer than nondrinkers). Maintaining a rich social network was associated with living 1.6 years longer. The most important single factor in longevity, however, was physical activity, which by itself was linked to an extra 2 or more years of life.”

And I can’t help but add – I just ran across an article on the web on Ernestine Shepherd, the Guiness World record holder for oldest female body builder. NOT THAT I aspire to be a body builder, but she is an inspiration and proof that our muscles don’t have to atrophy just because we’re getting older. Check her out: http://ernestineshepherd.net/?page_id=2