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[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

> First one is stated with tongue in cheek.. that is to
> choose your ancestors carefully.  genetics seem to be
> the biggest determining factor.

Perhaps I need to go back and read those four articles again. What I  
took from them is that scientists are mostly agreed that physical  
characteristics such as color of skin, hair and eyes and shape of  
nose and ears are genetically founded, as are some racially- 
attributed disease characteristics and some other diseases, but  
longevity is not primarily determined by genetics. More and more, I  
feel that health factors attributed to genetics are more likely the  
result of family habits regarding quality and preparation of food,  
exercise, attitudes and social activity. The physical and mental  
condition of a mother during gestation is critical, perhaps more  
important than what the resulting person chooses as their lifestyle.  
If a young mother was born to and grew up in a family of strong,  
positive health habits, the child may well be more strongly resistant  
to common maladies. Who among us would choose to be born of an obese  
alcoholic smoker or drug addict?

> The third amazes me even though I
> have did understand, but have forgotten, the
> scientific explanation, that is to eat a near
> starvation diet.

From The 100-Year Diet, by Walford, to recent articles based on  
decades of research, the emphasis has not been on deprivation,  
certainly not near starvation, but very gradually reducing caloric  
intake after full growth is attained.

Caloric diminishment fits with typical modern lifestyle choices which  
are well-known to cause obesity and a plethora of disease. If, and  
that is a big if, one keeps up an energetic physical life in later  
years it would appear that higher caloric intake is appropriate.