By Pamela D. Wilson, The Care Navigator, CSA, MS, BS/BA, CG

Lately I've been on a quest to find out how individuals living well into their nineties and hundreds have achieved this great feat.  Most of you know I do a weekly radio program called The Caring Generation.  In August I interviewed a woman, Garnet, who began hiking the Grand Canyon at 65 and made more than twenty trips. She's 103.  There's a woman living in an independent living community in Denver who is 104 and still going.  Another woman I just met told me that if one goes to the doctor enough "they'll eventually find something."  If traditional medicine isn't going to extend our lives, what will?

What's the secret?  From what I can tell it's not frequent trips to the doctor.  I say this tongue in cheek because there's a time when we may need a doctor but generally it seems it's best to avoid them at all costs.  On my radio program in the last several weeks I've interviewed physicians and researchers who believe a long healthy life results more from our own actions than from the physiology and genes we inherit.

Dr. Harold Koenig an expert in religion and health explains that regular religious practice i.e. going to church regularly and becoming involved in church activities makes us healthier.  Spirituality does not hold the same benefit.  Dr. Robert Schneider, internationally recognized in the field of integrative medicine, touts TM, transcendental meditation, as the cure for high blood pressure and many other ailments so much that I've decided to try it.  Sociologists and researchers tell us to maintain an active social life, embrace family relationships and we'll be more prepared to cope with challenges in our lives.  We'll also live longer.  Research proves that isolated individuals have more health challenges.  Maybe it's because their only friend is their physician.

If you're curious, visit www.thecaringgeneration.com, click on Listen to Past Programs and listen to the dates of August 22, Centenarians - The Art of Living to 100 and October 10th Alternative Approaches to Improving Your Health.  Cheers to good health and a long life!

Copyright 2011 Pamela D. Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

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