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  • From: Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>
  • To: homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [Homestead] Longevity and genetics
  • Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 16:05:52 -0700

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.







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