Living longer and better

Some people die at 60, and they bury them at 90, fitness legend Jack LaLanne said, referring to the infirmities of many elderly.

As Americans live longer, quality-of-life, not just longevity, becomes more important. Thats why San Diego geneticist J. Craig Venter and his partners founded Human Longevity Inc., to uncover genes that cause disease and illness, thus allowing people to live longer, healthier lives.

Senior health will become an even larger issue in the country than it is already, with enormous economic effects. Americans 65 and over numbered 41.4 million in 2011; theyre projected to increase to 79.7 million in 2040. The 85-and-over population is projected to increase from 5.7 million in 2011 to 14.1 million in 2040. There are 55,000 Americans over 100.

While advances in science hold incredible promise, an ancient method exists that is proven to increase longevity and quality of life: exercise.

Physical exercise is the answer to longevity, said Stanford professor Dr. Walter M. Bortz, author of Dare to be 100. Bortz turned 84 last week.

LaLanne died in 2011 at 96. He was still running his business empire of books, DVDs, juicers and a website. Thats now handled by his wife, Elaine, who at 88 exercises daily and can still do mens-style push-ups. Indeed, lets make 90 todays 60.

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Living longer and better