Keys to a Longer Life

The Blue Zone, a book, and its author, Dan Buettner, were featured on Martha Stewart Today (yes, I watch Martha occasionally. I'm secure enough in my manhood, lol). Dan has travelled the world for National Geographic seeking out people who have led and continue to lead long and productive lives. What's he consider long? 85 to 105 is a good range. Thats the age group his story revolves around. Dan has identified Blue Zones, places where long-lived people are more likely to reside, hence the book's title, and he's spent time in these areas trying to identify what factors could be attributed to this phenomenon. To illustrate, Martha showed a clip of a 100+ yr old woman chopping wood and her 85 yr old son bicycling over to visit her.

Many of us here have struggled just with living. My experiences have given me a glimpse into this day-to-day world of my fellow disabled friends. For a while I was paralyzed from a brain infarction, a stroke if you will, had to deal with a catheter and be assisted in getting in and out of bed and wheeled around, went through a long period of constant and intense pain, and still have my moments. I was very fortunate to have had a terrific series of doctors and therapists who orchestrated what has been described more than once as a miraculous recovery. It's far from complete and probably never will be but I really can't complain. I didn't, and that may have been my own contribution to a rapid recovery and my salvation.

 THE KEYS http://www.bluezones.com/

You can check out the keys to a long life here. There are parts of Dan's book which I think can be helpful to many Disaboomers. I'll leave it up to you to decide if it's something you'd be interested in pursuing.

From what I've observed, many are despondent about their plight. They may be adding to their woes because of the stress brought on by their attitude. At times it can take hard work and courage to remain positive. On the other hand, there are those who have conquered their feelings and emotions and retaken control of their lives.

We are a community of people, people who are whole in spirit if not in body. I say that in all sincerity. There are no I-Pods to be won this week. You all have taught me much in the short time I've been here. The way we see ourselves is the way the world will see us. We can teach them.