What would you do to extend your life?

The clip above appeared in this morning’s newspaper. Not exactly something you want to read while chomping on peanut butter toast and drinking coffee. Chicken brains? How many chickens does it take to even make a single serving? 

The older I become, the more intriguing the reasons people give for their longevity become as well. Quite a variety of dietary habits are given by centenarians themselves - ranging from abstinence to heavy drinking; from veganism to steaks-every-night; from low-fat, low-carb, low-salt, low-taste to lots and lots of ice cream.

I try to be somewhat careful about what I eat. But I don’t do so in order to extend my life, but to be able to enjoy the life I have. I’ve been hiking in preparation for a Boy Scout trip to Philmont this summer with my grandson. I’m now up to carrying a 25 pound pack on the 4-5 mile practice hikes I do every other day. I’ll bump that pack weight up to 30 pounds in June. Still less than what I will be expected to carry on the hike itself.

I often think about how difficult it would be to carry the equivalent of a 25 pound pack around one’s belly everyday, all the time. I’ve been lucky enough to have never had to worry a lot about my weight. Like many Americans, I would be happy to lose probably 10% of my chubbiness, but I’ve stayed pretty much the same size in my trousers since I was 45 or so. That said, I do increasingly appreciate stretch waistbands. Like “white privilege,” I have been the beneficiary of “weight privilege” as well, and recognize most people have about as much control over their weight as they do over their height.

My diet is not about extending my years, but improving the quality of the years I have. A life without hiking, bicycling, or driving may be fulfilling for some, but I cannot imagine it. And will do what it takes to make sure I can do the things I love to do for as long as possible.

Well, maybe except for eating chicken brains.