Would you want to live to be 120?

StarSong

StarSong

Awkward is my Superpower
Location
Los Angeles Suburbs
There's been a recent surge of self-proclaimed longevity experts touting that embracing certain lifestyle changes (lots of fasting, for instance) can help people live to 120-130 years of age.

Gotta wonder if these geniuses and their followers have spent any time in nursing homes observing 100 year olds who are mostly in wheelchairs or using walkers, can barely chew their food (forget shopping or preparing it themselves), are wearing diapers, and have outlived their friends and most of their children, not that all of them even remember their friends or children. It's mostly a sad waiting room for death - with people saying things like, "Why won't God take me home? I'm ready to go."

Not saying I'm eager for death because I'm not. And sure there are outliers to this - a handful of centenarians thriving while living on their own. But they're few and far between.

What do you think?
 

I think you hit the nail on the head. It depends on what the physical and mental condition is of that 120-yr old. I've seen people in nursing homes as well. You are right. They are barely breathing, and not living. They are in such a bad condition that it becomes a merciful act to die. If I was in their condition, I would be asking God to take me as well.

On the other hand, there are reports that some centurions are living an active life such as Japan and Greece. They canā€™t do a 5-mile run, but they get around and keep busy. The article claims that the shared attributes that kept them in good condition was
(1) socializing, whether living with family or friends
(2) exercising, whether in a garden or just a walk
(3) proper diet
(4) laughter.
Now this is a life I wouldn't mind to have, if I lived over the age of 100.
 
In the state the majority of older humans find themselves in even at say age 80 years old? No.

But if reasonably physically mobile without serious ailments and especially if mentally capable, then not only 120 but forever. At age 75, I am not even close to the too decrepit state, nor expect to be during the next decade. Unlike the vast majority of modern humans, especially urban people, I have developed a great interest in the natural world and science. To enjoy our incredible blue water world of vast amazing life and our Universe is an eternal enjoyment that will never become old. And in this era we humans are on thresholds of endless fascinating knowledge I will never grow old receiving.
 
StarSong said:
There's been a recent surge of self-proclaimed longevity experts touting that embracing certain lifestyle changes (lots of fasting, for instance) can help people live to 120-130 years of age.

Gotta wonder if these geniuses and their followers have spent any time in nursing homes observing 100 year olds who are mostly in wheelchairs or using walkers, can barely chew their food (forget shopping or preparing it themselves), are wearing diapers, and have outlived their friends and most of their children, not that all of them even remember their friends or children. It's mostly a sad waiting room for death - with people saying things like, "Why won't God take me home? I'm ready to go."

Not saying I'm eager for death because I'm not. And sure there are outliers to this - a handful of centenarians thriving while living on their own. But they're few and far between.

What do you think?
Click to expand...
Only if I was in good health, my sweetheart was too.
 
I agree with others who've said they would be happy to live to whatever age as long as they were healthy and mobile. And with today's new medical developments it's becoming more possible.

That said, there has always been a Circle of Life and a balance on the planet created by people dying and being replaced by newborns. My primary concern would be overpopulation of the planet and astronomical healthcare costs absorbed by taxpayers. However, there are countries like China, Japan and Italy who are experiencing an aging population due to young people not having children and it isn't a pretty picture.
 
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