Living Longer and Shorter Lives

There’s some conflicting news on aging lately—on the one hand, it seems some people are defying expectation by living well into the 100’s. Edna Parker from Shelbyville, IN, is the oldest person in the world, turning 115 years young on Sunday. Researchers are studying these supercentenarians (people who live more than 110 years) to find out their secret to longevity.
 
On the other hand, new research out today says that the life expectancy of U.S. women is declining in certain areas of the country. Women in the Deep South and Appalachia lived 1.3 years less than the rest of the country, even though overall life expectancy has increased. A man’s life expectancy in the U.S. is now around 74.1 years, while a woman’s life expectancy is about 79.6 years.
 
Both of these stories come down to one’s lifestyle. The supercentenarians live healthy lifestyles and don’t let life’s stressors get in their way. The women in the Deep South and Appalacia tend to be poorer and suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity as a result of smoking and food choices.
 
It’s important to note that no matter one’s economic bracket, living healthier and living longer shouldn’t be a privilege for the well off. Your life depends on it. [MSNBC]