LONG LIFE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 222, 13 May 1932, Page 7

LONG LIFE

WGULB-BE CENTENARIANS ADVISED BY A DOCTOR. "THE WILL TO LIVE." Por those who wish to become hale and hearty centenarians, Sir Humphry Rolleston, Physician in-Ordin-ary to the King, lias some interesting advice to offer in his hew book, "Medical Aspects of Old Age." Sir Humphry reveals that, of more than 800 investigated cases of longevity, 50' per cent. came of exceptionally long-lived families. He remarks: A good stock may ensure long life in the face of adverse environment, such as town life and alcoholism Many centenarians, .perhaps from inherent vitality, have been able to talce alcohol in quantities that would be too much for ordinary mortals. The strength of the "will to live," he states, is an important factor in longevity, and a want of such will

may well be hereditary. The locality in which people live may also make a difference. The Balkans, Greece, Scandinavia, California, and the English lakes have been thought to favour longevity, and Ireland according to Sir Humphry has always and a great number of reputed centenarians. Nearjy half of a total of 800 long lives analysed survived severe illnesses at one time or another; and 500 pensioiiers with an average age of 73.3 years did not posses a healthy tooth among them. It will comfort some people to know that "although the digestions of Methuselahs are usually good, had a great. number* of reputed cenprohibiting excess, may, in a negative way, promote long life/' "In addition to 'joie de vivre'," Sir Humphry concludes, "a happy disposi- ■ tion that thinketh no evil, naturally ! smiles ihstead of frowning on strangers, and new ifle,as, free from anger, hatred and jealousy, tend to promote long life."