Living forever

August 31st, 2006

I came across this article about how scientists are trying to halt the ageing process.

It was interesting to see that a plastic surgeon is hoping to cash in on a potentially huge market by offering patients a therapy based on human growth hormone, that he claims reverses the aging process. After all very few of us want to die. Most of us would chose to live for as long as possible as long as the quality of life is there too.

The article got me thinking about my own attitudes, though. Why do I go the gym, or swim, four or five times a week? To be honest I have never really analysed it. I have always assumed that it is a good thing to do as it makes me fitter and healthier (hopefully).

Am I trying to stay youthful for longer? Probably not, as I know that is a lost cause already, but I am trying to stay as fit, alert and active for as long as possible. I truly believe that if you have adopted an active and energetic lifestyle throughout your life, then you will probably be active and fit in your later years.

This should increase the number of years where there is both quantity and quality of life. At least I hope so.

I am reminded of a patient I saw in the Cardiology department that I worked in. He had chest pains and needed an exercise stress test to rule out the possibility of it being cardiac in origin. He was in his late sixties and had the physique of someone at least thirty years younger.

He had walked three miles to the hospital for his test. During the exercise tolerance test he reached almost the maximum speed and incline, which very few people of any age can attain. He then walked the three miles back home again.

Needless to say his heart was completely healthy - he must have strained a muscle doing all his press ups and sit ups.

So when I go to the gym or plough up and down the swimming pool, I want to be like him. I want to be as fit and healthy as him in my late sixties.

Maybe then I can have a few more extra years with a good quality of life.

Entry Filed under: Healthy Lifestyles