Healthy octogenarians

The life-expectancy of Malaysians is about 75 (women live two to three years longer than men). For Europeans and Japanese, it is about 80. So those of us who live past 80 have exceeded the national average.

However, taking note that the scientific estimate of our lifespan should be 120 years (indeed, the validated age of the longest-living humans in modern times have consistently been around 120 years), even 80 years is 33% short of what it should be.

But it is not just about how long we live, but more importantly, how healthy we are as we age. It is not about adding more years to our lifespan, but about adding health to the years we have. And if you add health, you are likely also to add longevity.

Tun Dr Mahathir is 85 years young. He was the keynote speaker at the Healthy Ageing conference, and he spoke on "Staying Physically Active and Mentally Sharp through the Golden Years - My Secret Recipe" (read more).

He gave a witty speech full of gems, which included not having a beard to look younger; keeping his mind sharp by reading; and continuing to criticise his successors because he always thinks that he is the best (!); being careful about his diet; and taking health supplements.

Of course, he admitted that when he was the Prime Minister, he had a doctor following him everywhere and that helped!

Although he had heart surgery many years ago, and several scary episodes (in his own admission) since then, most of the time he is fit and fiery, and feared by younger political leaders. It seems that retirement is not in his vocabulary.

I also had the opportunity to ask The Most Venerable Master Chin Kung about his secret to health and longevity. Like Tun Dr Mahathir, he is also approaching 85 and is still very healthy and sharp.

According to him, it is to maintain a pure, stable mind and a pure heart. With a pure mind, you are able to discipline yourself to only do the good and beneficial things, including eating healthily, and leading a healthy lifestyle.

The pure mind can also command the body to be healthy, as the mind is fully in charge and in control of what is going on elsewhere in the body. This is another aspect of mind-body science that scientists are now discovering.

I have observed Master Chin Kung during the many trips that I have been with him, and I noticed that he never over-ate, even when we were served with the most scrumptious meals at the most elaborate feasts. And he continuous to dispense wisdom in his fatherly, smiling way as he travels to meet his followers all over the world. Like Tun Dr Mahathir, I do not see him slowing down yet.

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI is also nearly 85 years young, and is still very active, having to preside over The Vatican as the head of over one billion Catholics spread all over the globe. His schedule is very hectic as he has to visit so many places, and also receive so many visitors. In order to cope with that, he must be in good health.

Although I do not know what is his secret, we should admire him and the other two octogenarians for leading by example - that we should lead fruitful, meaningful lives and contribute to society even in our old age, instead of being sick and becoming a burden to our families and our society.

I leave you with these words of wisdom: "Everybody wants to be old, but nobody wants to grow old" - Cato the Elder, 44BC.

Dr Amir Farid Isahak is a medical specialist who practises holistic, aesthetic and anti-ageing medicine. He is a qigong master and founder of SuperQigong. For further information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The views expressed are those of the writer and readers are advised to always consult expert advice before undertaking any changes to their lifestyles. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

-The Star/Asia News Network