by Missy
In this article it talks about the fact that people are living longer these days. In a study done with both men and women over the age of 100 they found that even people with chronic illnesses have a chance to become a centurion. One third of all of the participants in the study were living with illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. These diagnoses were all given before the age of 85 and the people were still going strong. It also stated that three quarters of the male survivors could dress and bathe themselves but only one third of the women survivors could. Studies showed that this was a result of the men having reached that age had to be in stellar health conditions. Overall it is become less of a feat to reach 100 years old. Technology and Medicine advances have really allowed us to extend our lives.
This article grabbed my attention because I have family members who have lived very long lives and I was interested to know more about why this was occurring. The average age of life has risen dramatically over the past century. The male average age used to be in their fifties and now it is in the seventies. Women tend to live longer than men. If technology and medicine keep progressing the possibilities to live longer will also progress. While I think that it is great that people are living longer and healthier lives I do foresee there being a downfall to this. Our world is already overpopulated and with people living longer it will mean that more resources will be being used and more living space will be needed. We will also need many more assisted living facilities because; many of these elders need help. I am kind of torn between the positives and the negatives of this issue.
