I have always had a fascination with people older than myself, and a yearning to learn from their “wisdom.”
Perhaps being an only child, and often surrounded by my parents’ friends and older relatives, made me realize that I could learn from listening and maybe bypass certain “mistakes,” by following their advice.
Here are three reasons why I believe we should listen to, and respect older people:
- You never know what snippet of information can make a difference in your own life.
- An older person with wisdom can often soothe your fears and worries about how you are handling issues in your own life.
- Older people often offer the same secrets. We all know we might benefit from following their advice, but don’t always listen.
After watching Secrets of Centenarians, you find some common threads.
Esther Tuttle now 100, is amazing. Listen to her beautiful clear voice. She says, “It’s partly genes, and also being conscious of your body.” Esther explains your body is your instrument, and stresses the importance of yoga, stretching and walking. Also, we need to eat and drink in moderation. Esther still drinks today and claims that, “Moderation is a wonderful thing.”
Mae Anderman 103, agrees that genes play a role, and that keeping your mind alert, and having family helps. She also says many people today are anxious and ambitious, and that people have changed and become more “brash, and much less friendly.” She states there’s no use in saying, “I should have or could have. That doesn’t matter.” Also the future will take care of itself. Live in the present.
Travilla Deming 100, says her secret to living long is, “Don’t emphasize anything that is evil or bad. Get rid of it or rise above it.”
The following New York Times article, claims that: Genes do play a role in longevity, although Esther Tuttle’s parents died at 42 and 50.
According to Dr. Nir Barzilai, a geneticist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, “Centenarians are 20 times as likely as the average person to have a long-lived relative.”
A Swedish study of identical twins separated at birth and reared apart concluded that only about 20 to 30 percent of longevity is genetically determined. Lifestyle seems to be the more dominant factor. If true, then this gives hope that we can live longer and healthier lives by taking care of ourselves.
I want to thank Marla Miller, founder of Marketing the Muse, for posting this on her Facebook page, which prompted my post.
Do you have any words of wisdom, or stories from an elderly person you’d like to share?
I think that longevity definitely has to do with lifestyle – just look at the Japanese who are very active in their old age! I think it also makes a difference how much love and care you have too.
As far as I know, the oldest person from either side of my family lived into his 90's. It seems though, that the average is 60's and 70's. But like the article says, genes are only a part of the equation. I exercise regularly, but those bowls of ice cream might be my early demise.
Good post with food for thought! This is a cliche by now, but I think of this sometimes: No one at his/her death bed will say, "I wish I had spent more time at the office."
It's a good one, and I believe strongly in the importance of quality of life, for the young as well as the old. As a person you are more than your work or profession, and more than all the goodies you collect while climbing up the ladder.
We should NOT feel guilty about sitting still and contemplating our navel at times. Or smell the flowers.
As the Buddha said (I think): Don't just do something, sit there!
To grow old happy, you need good health, good love, and a healthy spiritual life. Oh, and very little stuff!
'nough said.
I'm sure, as the article says, that genes do play a part, but I like to believe that attidude plays a bigger part. A good attitude about our lives can help us do the things that give us both quality of life and longevity.
Hi Sonia!
I always loved hearing my grandmothers stories. She was a divorced career woman in the days that it wasn't that common. I so admired her,and miss her much.
I like that you enjoy learning from older people. Americans don't treat the elderly with the respect that they deserve. Love Di ♥
Thank you for your recent visit to my blog. It looks like you have a lot of interesting food for thought here. I do appreciate older people so much and I agree that a lot of our health is attributable to good genes. However some people can help themselves by exercise and good eating. I'm trying ;-0
Interesting article. I enjoyed it.
Hey thanks for visiting my nature blog!
I'll have to come back and read more.
My grandmother just turned 90 and she is doing great, I hope I take after her!
I especially like the advice about letting go of all things evil, its so true.
I loved the inspiration of this article. I agree that moderation is key, yoga and stretching are terrific!
My parents both lived into their mid 90s. Dad was very active, walking the corridors several times a day in the seniors facility where they lived. At 80, he was more fit than I am at 65, and was still dropping trees and cutting his own fire wood at their home in the "bush"!
The secret to living to 100 is to get to 99, then be very careful for a year!
I don't care how old I live as long as I'm able to take of myself.
My mother is soon 80. When I was younger her opinions, experience wasn't interesting. 🙂 But now I have to admit she was – and is – right about many things but it wasn't fun when I was younger. You know sayings like 'when I was young…' oooh here she goes again -pain!
I read somewhere once re: reaching and and accomplishing goals: "It doesn't matter when you do it; it only matter that you do it!" Grandma Moses for example! Loved it! Live by it!
Nice to meet you, UM Mom!
Coralie
Hi Sonia,
My grandmother is 95 and her sister is 97. I have learned a great deal from them over the years and feel fortunate to have had them around so long. Thanks for visiting my blog. I very much enjoyed visiting your blog today!
Valerie
Seriously the issue is quality of life. If my body and/or mind is failing, I would prefer to "check out" while I am still at the top of my game.
I love that photo. My great grandma lived to be 101. Her secret was healthy living and hardwork.
@ladyfi
It would be interesting to see if that changes with the younger generations who maybe live a more Americanized lifestyle.
@Matty
I'm surprised how ice cream seems to be the culprit with so many.
@Miss Footloose
Strangely, my mother used to tell me not to sit there, but DO SOMETHING, as a teenager.
@Jeanie
Yes, Attitude, a positive one is what these centenarians, have in common. Although a couple of them seemed "grumpy" during their interview.
@Diana
Thanks for your comment. I agree with what you said. An elderly woman in my area once said, "After you get wrinkles, it's like you no longer exist." Very sad.
@Joyful,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, I think it's a struggle for many to get in the exercise and good eating habit.
@Sandy
Thaks for the visit. I'm a huge fan of NATURE, especially after living in Belize.
@Brenda
I know you've been fighting with your health and it's good to hear you have good genes.
@alwayswellwithin
I need to start yoga, instead of all the weight lifting I do. I'm ready to change.
@Rob-bear
So you had very active parents who lived a long life. You've got good genes then. My mom died of cancer at 57.
@BLOGitse
I agree with you completely. I remember thinking the same thing about my own mother.
@Coralie
I shall remember that quote. Thanks.
@Valerie
That's a long life. Are they still well at their age? I hope so.
@Robert the Skeptic
I agree with you, which is why I wanted to show Esther and Mae.
I wouldn't like to live to that age if everyone I knew had died already. I have no children, so I am no desire to outlive my husband by much at all.
I have not wisdom at all but I am happy to try to soak up all I can from these women!
I think that all human beings want to be immortal, and make everything if possible to die an hour faster!