LEONARD GRAY

It’s in the genes – long life possible I have high hopes of living a long life, despite my occasional health problems, associated with my extra pounds. Yes, I know I’m overweight, but I am determined to drop some of it and regain some of the slimness of my youth. However, in the meantime, I’m hitting the low-fat, low-sugar diets and exercising more. I have high hopes of a long life, though, mostly because of genetics. I’ve long had an interest in genealogy and digging through my family tree. Along the way, I’ve made several interesting discoveries. One of those is that on both sides, my ancestors lived long lives. One, my paternal grandmother’s grandmother, died in 1947 at the age of 104. Most lived at least into their 80s and a few into their 90s. Grandpa Johnny died when he was in his early 40s, but then he had an epileptic seizure and fell off a building at a construction site. That doesn’t count. But it is heartening to think I might have a good 40 to 50 years ahead of me. My father is 78 and quite healthy, having worked outdoors all his life. He stopped smoking 30 years ago and remains physically active in every way. My mother is likewise active, though 72, retains much of the vitality of women one-third her age. She recently acquired her license to operate heavy construction machinery at her job with the U.S. Forestry Service. My paternal grandparents lived well into their 80s and my maternal grandmother did likewise. So far as I can determine, cancer has not been a particular health problem in my family, but heart disease is a problem. However, it seems to take a long, long time for that heart disease to finally catch up. That’s the rub. I know I have to work to stay heart-healthy in order to lay claim to the same sort of longevity my ancestors enjoyed. My other disadvantage is working, for the most part, indoors and am not particularly physically active. That’s where the health club membership comes in. Hopefully, I can keep exercising and manage to live well into my 80s or even 90s. A long life is something most people tend to desire, unless that life is hurt by poor health and a generally poor lifestyle. I’m hoping to avoid all that and stay vital and energetic up to the very end. So I guess the point of all this is to ask my readers to pay attention to their hearts, diet and exercise regimen, if one wants to enjoy a good, long life. It also doesn’t hurt to have good genes, as well. It is said, “you’re as old as you feel.” Some days, I feel 20 years younger than I actually am. Some days, my years definitely catch up with me. Most days, I feel pretty good. Wish me luck! LEONARD GRAY is assistant managing editor of L’Observateur.