SAN DIEGO, June 20, 2011 — More Americans now live to be 100 years old. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, centenarians are the fast-growing age group. The population 85 years and over increased by 38 percent, from 3.1 million to 4.2 million. George Burns, Bob Hope, and Gloria Stuart all made it to 100. But none had the vitality of 96-year-old Jack LaLanne, who died earlier this year.
Jack LaLanne on the cover of Strength & Health Magazine, July 1954
When the "Godfather of Fitness" first started spreading his gospel in the 1930s, he was called a crackpot. The medical community even discouraged people from rigorous exercise. But the crackpot in the jumpsuit with the first exercise show on television turned out to be a visionary. The more we learn about longevity, the more we learn LaLanne was right.
Among Jack LaLanne’s many “LaLannisms”:
- At any age, you can still change your life and improve your life.
- You have to work at living.
- This body was made for activity. You have to use it.
- You only have to exercise for 30 minutes but you have to do it vigorously. Change your routine after each month.
- Age isn't the killer. Inactivity is the killer.
- If man made it, don't eat it! Stick to natural foods.
- The only thing good about the doughnut is the hole in the middle.
- Do it. Don't stew.
- Exercise is king; nutrition is queen. Put 'em together and you've got a kingdom!
- I can't die, it would ruin my image.
The New England Centenarian Study (NECS) http://www.bumc.bu.edu/centenarian of people who live to be 100, published in 2009 by Harvard Medical School and Boston University, found evidence to back up nearly everything Jack LaLanne had been telling us.
Watch your diet. LaLanne emphasized the importance of unprocessed foods, primarily eggs, fish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Research shows he’s right. Avoid cholesterol, refined sugars, processed foods with sweeteners and salt, and limit your calorie intake. LaLanne used to say the only good thing about a doughnut is the hole!
In a 1990 interview, LaLanne said, "I just bought a brand new Mercedes convertible -- do you think I would put sugar in the gas tank? The problem is that most people in this country take better care of their cars than they do their own bodies. The human machine also needs proper fuel."
LaLanne was a big believer in vitamins, and science agrees. Consider taking antioxidant supplements and omega-3 fatty acids. Green tea and red wine have beneficial properties in moderation.
Exercise. Use it or lose it. While not everyone could maintain LaLanne’s vigorous daily workouts, everyone can benefit from 30 minutes per day of exercise – walking, bicycling, resistance training. Guarding against the loss of muscle mass and insuring good cardiovascular health is the magic combination.
Many of the older individuals in the NECS study lived in second and third floor apartments, and climbed stairs repeatedly every day.
“Nobody has an excuse not to work out, including the disabled and the elderly,” said LaLanne. “The only way you can hurt the body is not use it. Inactivity is the killer, and remember, it’s never too late.”
Stay mentally engaged. LaLanne kept working and immersed in life until his last day. He wrote books, gave lectures, and appeared on television. He continued to develop products, start new ventures and dream new dreams. He exuded optimism. NECS researchers agree that maintaining mental fitness and a positive attitude are critical. While many people may not want to continue working, everyone can learn new skills, write, volunteer, travel, and seek out new experiences.
It turns out like so much in life, the fountain of youth we’re looking for is found within ourselves.
Until next time, enjoy the ride in good health!
NEXT WEEK: Mickey Rooney’s Greatest Role
Laurie Edwards-Tate, MS, is President and Founder of At Your Home Familycare in San Diego, California. Follow At Your Home Familycare on Facebook and on Twitter @AYHFamilycare.
Copyright © 2011 by At Your Home Familycare
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