Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Live long and prosper

I've been reading up a bit about a lifestyle program known as  Calorie Restriction.

The basic premise is that restricting your calories will help you live a healthier, and LONGER life.  

Some proponents of this idea think we can extend life expectancies well beyond 100 years, based on what science is discovering about calorie restriction and its benefits to longevity. 

It certainly seems promising and looks very interesting but before I sign up I do want to know a couple of things:

Do any of the CR devotees understand that they still might get hit by a bus? 

Does any one really want to live to 120 or 150?  I mean at this point, who would be around?  No one you know most likely.  And life companions aside, I have to wonder is longevity primarily for the rich?  Who is going to pay for these extra years of my life?  

I'm sorry, but living to 80 sounds plenty good right now.  I'm hoping I'll be able to afford that.  Certainly anyone living in miserable impoverished conditions isn't hoping desperately for another 40-70 years in which to be subjected to life and all its cruelties.

I think this aspiration to living well into your second century requires a little more thought than simply,  "I'm not ready to go!"

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