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July 18, 2009
Longevity is a temporary distraction from death
I just read about the oldest man in the world dying at 113. The secret of his longevity? He "attributed his grand age to 'cigarettes, whisky and wild, wild women'." I don't smoke, and while I love whiskey, these days I mostly drink red wine for its reputed health benefits. As to "wild, wild women," I really don't like to discuss my personal, um, issues (although I try to be democratic so I once conducted a poll to let readers vote on what my issues ought to be). Overall, I think my sex life would probably not be considered wild enough for me to set the world's longevity record. OTOH, a 105 year old woman has never had sex at all, and she claims that her celibacy is the key to her longevity. Well, darn then! A virgin centenarian I will never be. I don't know where this leaves me. Perhaps I should double up on the whiskey and start smoking. Interestingly enough, I came to know a woman who had finally retired to a rest home at age 97, and she was one of those loquacious grand dames who would sit and hold court on the porch. While smoking like a chimney. As I got to know her, she complained to me about the staff's attempts to get her to stop smoking. I will never forget the way, in a loud voice, she bellowed, "They want me to stop smoking -- 'FOR MY HEALTH!' Honey, I'm NINETY SEVEN YEARS OLD!"It struck me as cruel, ironic, and hilarious. She was full of life, sharp as a tack, and had lived longer than her "helpers" probably would. So while I don't know what anybody's "secret" is, I found myself thinking that this defiant old girl might not have made it to 97 had she done as she was told. posted by Eric on 07.18.09 at 12:17 PM
Comments
LOL, dr kill. As one a few years older than you... yeah, I second that. And as the daughter of an 86 year old man who isn't through having fun yet (and who makes me laugh and appreciate his wisdom almost every day) I contend that the years between 50 and 80 aren't that bad. I'm just now getting to enjoy my grandchildren. They are much more fun than your children were, and I know from my experience with my children that my mother and father had at least as much impact on them as I did. I totally get your point that being a no-fun back to nature asshole is useless... but living to 90 while enjoying life in all it's dirty glory is priceless. Donna B. · July 19, 2009 12:46 AM Eric We love you at my house,thanks for all the insight,regards your post,I smoke,I drink beer and have a great sex life(too much info?) Bobnormal · July 19, 2009 02:59 AM Well, these comments are very encouraging because I'm 55 and I normally assume that most readers are less than half my age! Eric Scheie · July 19, 2009 11:56 AM dr kill: And my favorite prediction- that all these back to nature organic no fun assholes are choosing to spend the extra 20 years they live as a reward for their Puritan lifestyle in a fucking wheelchair having a daily diaper change. Paid for by you and I, the taxpayers, no doubt. Joshua · July 19, 2009 02:48 PM Post a comment
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I think about this frequently, as one turning 55 in Sept might.
Damn, am I glad I chose the full speed ahead approach to life. I tell my kids two things- which 30 years of life will be the most fun 20 to 50, or 50 to 80?
And my favorite prediction- that all these back to nature organic no fun assholes are choosing to spend the extra 20 years they live as a reward for their Puritan lifestyle in a fucking wheelchair having a daily diaper change.
Not me.