EXPECTATION OF LIFE

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24909, 24 June 1946, Page 4

EXPECTATION OF LIFE

NEW ZEALAND’S HIGH POSITION The expectation of life is high in New Zealand (says a bulletin issued by the Department of Health). The latest figures promise at birth, if all goes well, in full years, 65 if you are a male and 68 if you are a female. This is six more years than the United States of American can promise its babies, both male and female. To show how human life has lengthened in recent times, we have only to compare the ancient Greek expectation of 29 years as a life span. ‘‘Realise how there must be more •and more old folk in the community, the bulletin continues. “Probably you will be joining these old folk by add by. The fewer young ones will have to support more old folk, and it win be much harder on them if these old ones have too high a proportion of id' firmity. ‘‘The mental outlook has an influence on the physical well-being. The chances are that you will be retired and still have some years of life *0 put in. You want to keep a bright mind for that old age. Do not neglect your physical condition from mialife, especially your daily exercise, so that, as far as you can, you avoid the dulling effect of an unfit body on the mind. Expect to enter old age mentally efficient, and strive to remain so throughout, however long the period. “You will best achieve this by having an occupation. Some people should never be allowed to retire, for they have nothing to fall back on mentally and then quickly deteriorate in mind, the body following suit rapidly. They become a burden on family or State.

Prepare for your old age before it arrives. If necessary, attend technical school to acquire some skill, or art and craft classes, and take unto yourself * useful hobby, until you are sure you will be as busy as possible within your physical limitations when old age arrives. A regular job is necessary and desirable in your old age, so get yourself ready for that time.”