Chapter 1. 100 Years Old and Counting: Psychological and...
1.1 100 Years Old and Counting: Psychological and...
Short Description
At the age of 101, Ray works daily in his chemistry laboratory at Messiah College. He continues to study the complex effects that toxic metals have on the environment. He hesitates to call what he finds so fascinating to be “work” and describes his ability to keep going as inherent.
Long Description
At the age of 101, Ray works daily in his chemistry laboratory at Messiah College. He continues to study the complex effects that toxic metals have on the environment. He hesitates to call what he finds so fascinating to be “work” and describes his ability to keep going as inherent. “I just do it,” he claims, “and don't think about it.” Those who reach the age of 100 tend to be happy-go-lucky, assertive, and good at stress management. In addition, they have strong interests that motivate them to get up in the morning. 101-year-old Alva is motivated by baking a favorite recipe, sampling a box of chocolates, and, most importantly, painting, a hobby that she has enjoyed for almost 90 years. Alva also values her social connections and goes out with friends three times a week. She reports that she never felt as though she were growing old. Longevity seems to run in Alvaís family. Her father lived to nearly 100, her grandfather to 95, and a cousin reached the age of 111. Researcher Thomas Perls believes that centenarians hold some important genetic secrets. More than half of the participants in his study have family members who also enjoyed long lives. After careful examination of the DNA of centenarians and their siblings, Perls and geneticist Louis Kunkel reported success in identifying the region of a chromosome they believe contains the genes responsible for longevity. The next step is to identify the specific gene or genes that underlie longer life. Perls expresses the hope that such identification might eventually lead to the development of longevity drugs. More than genes, however, foster a long life. Good health habits can extend everyone's life.