The world's oldest man is 112 today! Would you like to live that long?

@rosie_123 (6113)
September 18, 2007 11:03am CST
Today I read about the world's oldest man - he lives in Japan and will be 112 years old today! Here is a link to his story http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070918/lf_afp/lifestylejapansenior When interviewed he said he wanted to live forever and never die! So I was wondering what other myLot members felt about this? Would you like to live forever too? Or at least to be as old as this gentleman? And if not - why not? To be honest I am undecided on this question. I guess if my partner and friends enjoyed equal longevity, and I had good health, then it would be fine - but I would hate to outlive everyone I loved until I ended up alone with no one to share my memories. So how do you feel?
4 people like this
18 responses
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
18 Sep 07
That Japanese guy sure is lucky, he lived up until now because of the way he lived his life. As I have learned, they eat only those fresh, like fish and vegetables. Doesn't have any vice, addiction or whatsoever bad habit. I guess I'd be glad to live up to his age, as long as I still can remember my family, relatives and friends. As long as I can still walk unaided, good wy-sight and has no memory gap!;)LoL
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
18 Sep 07
Sorry for the last sentence TYPO, it should be good "eye-sight" and not wy-sight..
1 person likes this
@rosie_123 (6113)
18 Sep 07
Yes it is true the Japanese eat a very healthy diet. I have a Japanese girlfriend who is 45 years old, but looks like a woman half her age! Her skin, hair and figure are amazing. And it's primarily because she just doesn't eat junk food or anything fried or greasy - it is just not in their culture! And don't worry about the typo - I do them all the time! Thanks for your response.
2 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
18 Sep 07
That's a good question but no I don't think I'd want to live that long because I'd be too frail or deaf and all the other ugly things that happen to us when we get old. Now if I'm able to care for myself then maybe, it all depends on how my body and mind is if I'd want to live that long. But can you imagine what things this man has seen in his lifetime? Wow is all I can say.
2 people like this
@rosie_123 (6113)
18 Sep 07
Yes - Queen Victoria would still have been on the Throne here in England! It is an amazing thought! Thanks for contributing here my friend.
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@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
20 Sep 07
My thoughts followed closely upon yours. Quality of life is another consideration. I'd like to be actively living life, not just existing. And yes, only if I can have those I love still with me.
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@rosie_123 (6113)
20 Sep 07
Thanks for your reply.
• Canada
19 Sep 07
Thanks for making us aware that life extension is not as 'out there' as it once was. I think the more we hear about others living into advanced years the more it augments the possibility of it for us. For me I would love to live as long as possible...as long as I was in good health, could live independently and have a positive impact on the world and those I interact with on a daily basis. If my hubby was along for the ride...I think I could even withstand the loss of friends...because active,involved people always forge new bonds with new people. I have loved many...and lost some through the reality that they are in our lives for a reason, season or lifetime. Cycles of life and the in-go/outgo of people within transitions is easier to move through when we accept it is a natural part of life. So from my soul based perspective...we are part of a One Song that goes on forever...whether hear or 'beyond the veil.' So if I lived longer and outlived some special people in my life I would accept it in the same way I have had to accept the passing of my Mom and Dad already. With no siblings I have learned to continually discover new people within my soul community...and they create a sense of interconnected that grows even when some I love leave for whatever the reason. So the short answer...yes bring on life extension...as long as the world is basically the enjoyable place I now see it to be. Good question and another great topic...thanks Rosie!
@rosie_123 (6113)
20 Sep 07
You bring up an interesting point - about losing friends and people in your life and gaining more. I have also lost many but gained more along the way, and interestingly - I am also an only child as you know. So maybe you are right that we have to be better at forging new links because we were not brought up with the close, family and siblings that other people take for granted. Thanks for your great response as usual.
1 person likes this
• Canada
21 Sep 07
Yes...us only 'kids' do grow up with different views on things alright. I have often wondered if it is being brought up around more adults and having more time to think without the distractions and competitions that brothers and sisters tend to get into. Whatever it is...I love keeping my 'thinker' going and think it would be great to extend my lifespan and continue to grown, change and meet new people..even after losing some loved ones along the way. Cycles in life are a natural part of it and I am sure accepting the reality of it to have a longer life might not be a too difficult exchange. Anyway..good topic...fun chatting as always. Raia
@meaculpa (338)
• Philippines
20 Sep 07
It should be each and everyone's goal to live a longer life. It is a gift to live longer. One must know the secrets of living at least a 100 years old such as: eating fruits and vegetables, no vices (does not smoke nor drink liquors), being peaceful with everyone, having a positive attitude, worry-free, and love. I wish to reach at least a 100 years. It is a challenge for us all.
@rosie_123 (6113)
20 Sep 07
Thanks for your answer.
@shomi30 (52)
19 Sep 07
I think I want to live long so that I can live my life to the fullest. Enjoy the many pleasures and advantages of this age of Information technology. Also spend quality like with my loved ones.
1 person likes this
@rosie_123 (6113)
19 Sep 07
Thanks for your answer.
@ravinskye (8237)
• United States
18 Sep 07
If I could live that long and still have my mind and my health then it wouldn't be that bad. My husbands great grandmother will be 106 this november. She still can mostly take care of herself, but in the last few months her mind is going some. She still remembers family but sometimes she forgets and while you are talking to her she ends up repeating things she has just told you a few months ago.
@rosie_123 (6113)
18 Sep 07
Wow - 106 - that is old too, and I guess it is hardly surprising that her memory lapses a little nowadays. Great that she can still mostly take care of herself though. Thnkas for responding.
@lyndee22 (1210)
• Philippines
19 Sep 07
Yes I want to live that long or even longer if Gods bless me with good health and mind set. I want to see my family grow and to be with them for a longer period of time. It's like cherishing the great moments of living.
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@rosie_123 (6113)
19 Sep 07
Thanks for your response.
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
19 Sep 07
Its not the Quanity of life that's important, Its the Quality of Life. How would you like to live till 100 with the last 25 being unable to do anything for your self and wearing diapers. Contrast this with a person who lives to 100 with all his/her senses. No Glasses, own teeth, good hearing, etc. Ok, so go for it!
@rosie_123 (6113)
19 Sep 07
LOL - yes - a lot depends on the quality of life, - but seeing so much and experiencing so much and still being in good health, could be great. Thanks for answering here.
@bluishrose (2289)
• Philippines
18 Sep 07
I like to live that long if im in good health but if im bed ridden i wouldnt like to live that long since i have to experienced the suffering too long. Preferably i like to live up to 80 or 90 only since old age is such a hard time for myself and also for the people around taking care of me.
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@rosie_123 (6113)
18 Sep 07
Yes to linger on so long in pain and bed-ridden would be dreadful. Thanks for your comments.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
18 Sep 07
Hi rosie, You've really got me thinking here. My first reaction was yes, if I could have good health, but then I read a little further. Would I want to outlive all my family and friends? I have three children and I know I don't want to outlive them. Every year there are less friends to share memories. I guess the answer for me is, only if my family and friends enjoy equal longevity. Blessings.
1 person likes this
@rosie_123 (6113)
18 Sep 07
Pretty much the same answer as me I think - only if those I love could be there with me! Thanks for responding.
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@thefortunes (2367)
• Netherlands
18 Sep 07
Hi Rosie, yes, I would, and if possible even longer, BUT my health should be of a person of 40 years at max, and without the pains and ilnesses of an old person. Preferably without the wrinkles too :) You might ask me why, right? Well, I will have all the time in the world to be able to do and finish all my projects, will be able to write all the books that I wish to write without worrying - do I have the time :) I think it will be wonderful to be able to get at least 300 years old :)
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@rosie_123 (6113)
18 Sep 07
Well I would like to be without the wrinkles now - LOL! Wow - 300 though! Imagine what chages you would see in the world in that amount of time!? It would be awesome! Thanks for responding my friend.
@min1001 (40)
• China
19 Sep 07
The world is wonderful.It changes very fast too.If I live I can see.couldn't you think it's lucky!
1 person likes this
@rosie_123 (6113)
19 Sep 07
Yes indeed it would be.
• Philippines
18 Sep 07
Hi Rosie. I do not wish to live this long as I have always had fear of seeing myself being too old and not being able to take care of my body like what I am capable of doing now. My memory will definitely be low, and you are right when saying that you do not have anybody to share those memories you cherish when you were still young. I do not want young generations to make fun of me as I would surely be funny saying things that I don't even know like what my grandma did. I guess you would find me so shallow on this but personally that is my main concern. I would prefer to be in heaven with God seeing my loved one's praying for my soul than be a burden to them taking care of me when I am still alive at that age.
1 person likes this
@rosie_123 (6113)
19 Sep 07
No I don't think you are shallow. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Thanks for sharing yours.
• Philippines
22 Sep 07
Hi there buddy, what's up? Well, Oh wow... I like it also.. You know what, i really like to live more longer here in this Earth and living in this World is so cool, and amazing. I wanna live longer to see my kids growing up and the kids of my kids. I wanna see what people have her in this World after a long llong time Have a nice day ahead, happy posting and earning here in Mylot. Godspeed, Kiko
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Oct 07
as long as i was in good health,i wouldn't mind. but if i'd lost my memory,no way.that would be hell. i had a grandmother with altzheimer's,and she used to cry from frustration at not remembering simple things.
@3lilangels (4639)
• United States
18 Sep 07
well hello rosie,wow 112 years old thats amazing.i would love to live that long as long as i was in good health and i had my sanity,then yes it would be great because then i would still be able to see my children and grandchildren grow up more and have more time to spend with them,because every moment i spend with my family and friends is so dear to me and i treasure every moment.xoxo.pattie
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@rosie_123 (6113)
18 Sep 07
Yes it would be nice to be able to do that - and to see everyone grown up, happy and settled. Thanks for responding here my friend.
@claire03 (1443)
• United States
22 Sep 07
that's amazing rosie! A lot of people today doesn't live that long anymore so i think that age is hard to reach. I don't know if i want to live that long, since i don't want to be a burden to anyone, i'd like to die younger than that like 85 - 90 specially if i am just alone by that time, but i don't know yet, it just depends on God's plan for me. Hope i'll still be healthy when i get old. :)