Giving Thanks for Longevity

"How did you make it this far?" Some off the cuff answers. From patients.

I especially love to see the older people in my practice. Although I’m a family doctor, mostly trained in pediatrics and internal medicine, some days I feel like I’m actually a geriatrician. I have a lot of older patients, and by nature they endure, accumulate, and continue to bear hardships and medical problems that can make our younger complaints seem petty. Maybe it’s the deep respect and affection I had for my grandparents, because even though visits with elders are more challenging, I derive a lot of satisfaction from trying to help… and getting to know some of their stories and wisdom along the way.

As Thanksgiving approached, I thought I would ask a dozen older people a question at the end of their visit if time permitted. But instead of something like What are you most thankful for? I instead worked into conversation some variation of this inquiry:

Well, despite all these issues, here you are in your 80’s. I know there is never one reason, but if you had to answer how you made it this far… what would you say?

And here are a dozen answers, sampled from just one random week, in an obscure family practice:

83 y.o. man. “I never smoked, never did any drugs, and I don’t drink much alcohol. I try to find purpose and enjoyment in my work.”

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86 y.o. man. “My wife and I have always made each other laugh. She cracks me up, and I do the same with her.” Followed by a generous laugh.

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91 and 92 y.o. husband and wife. He points to her, and she points to him. “She keeps me calm,” he says. “I do that,” she replies. “And he takes good care of me when I need it.”

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90 y.o. man. “I play the trumpet. And I’ve taken an aspirin a day.”

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83 y.o. woman. “I’m happy. I go to church, and I’m happy. I’ve lost loved ones, and I’ve had my troubles like everybody else… but I still go to the gym 3 days a week, and I try to stay happy.”

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82 y.o. woman. “My grandmother’s good genetics. She lived to 104! And some luck I suppose, since my parents passed away at a younger age than I am now.”

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85 y.o. man. “Staying busy. Always busy. And I participate.”

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88 y.o. woman. “Healthy diet, a little exercise, and a lot of water. And I give really good hugs.”

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87 y.o. man. “In a word: Jesus. And I don’t drink or smoke. I drank once in 1951, felt sick, and never had another drink since.”

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89 y.o. man. “I stay as active as my condition allows, and I don’t do stupid shit. I also try to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.”

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86 y.o. woman. “I grew up on a farm eating lots of real food. We grew it ourselves. We didn’t have all this McDonald’s and processed foods back then.”

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80 y.o. man. “My wife gives me regular beatings. And I read your blog.”

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80 y.o. female. “I know my personality, and my weaknesses. I take a step back, and try not to make bad decisions on first impulse.”

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86 y.o. male. “Well, I’m shooting for 90. I just keep climbing those hills.”

Older people are a global treasure. I am so thankful that I get to see them every work day. I hope one day to grow into their ranks. I feel like I already have some days, but when I talk like that with a 90 year old, I often get swatted down like a fly. Deservedly.

I think for the next post I’ll send a scientific and historical perspective about what we know drives longevity, and super longevity. But even with perfect behaviors, none of us is guaranteed a chance to make it this far. Yet there is fascination, inspiration, and knowledge to be learned from the stories of those who have - along with some excellent quotes and remarkable bits of wisdom in the telling.

Happy Thanksgiving, and a mournful appreciation of those millions of elders we lost during this scourge… and for those who are still here. Honor and protect them.

~Ryan