h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

My grandparents and their brothers and sisters lived into their late 90's, {My grandfather's sister died two days before her hundredth birthday because she has overdone it painting the kicten ceiling for the celebration)
My mother made it to well over 80. She and my father were heavy smokers and gave it up the year they were 80 because they refused to pay the government that amount of post-budget tax.
My father smoked 40 full-strength Players a day and a pipe outdoors and a cigar with any special meal. He drank at least one beer a day, wine at weekends, G and T before meals and whisky after. He had a hard war (Russian convoys,Madras, Normandy) and was well overweight even in his eighties (red meat at least 4 times a week). He died in his sleep aged 94.
My best friend died in his early fifties (his father didn't make old bones either)

I'm hoping heredity works for me. The side of the family I most resemble lived to ripe old ages. We are tall and thin (my doctor is worried because I'm "fine boned" - I must have soft bones! Yeah - right!!) We all also have slow heart rates and low blood pressure. I do try to take care, though - lots of exercise - weights (occasionally), Tai Chi, walking, etc., high calcium diet, vitimines, moderate time in the sun, plenty of rest. The most important thing, though is to try and follow my Dad's example - enjoy life, work hard, and have fun.

Darn, I wish I was female with my family history if it is genetic. All the women in the family far outlive the men on average 20 yers of widowhodd is the norm. Mind you I may escape that fate do to the quirk of sexual orientation. We shall see ask me in 50 years time if I'm still around and only the second man on any side of my family to make it past 80.

I'll try to remember to ask you in 50 years!

Thanks Barney, just remember to bookmark this page on all futrue computers you might have.

Absolutely

We'll both be old and grouchy by then. BTW - looked at your pictures of the get together in Scotland - looks like a really good time. I like to be able to put faces to names.

Mine are still in the pipeline, those are Peet's which I'm hosting for him. Actually that reminds me I need to get to the chemists and pick them up.