Breaking news …
On June 19th Tomoji Tanabe, the world’s oldest man, died in his sleep at his home in Japan. He was 113. He drank milk every day and read a newspaper. He avoided alcohol and he did not smoke.
Henry Allingham, 113, the oldest surviving veteran of the First World War, has been declared the world’s oldest man (pictured). Living in the United Kingdom he attributes his longevity to “cigarettes, whisky and wild, wild women.”
When I read these news items my first reaction was to smile. I find it amazing they got to 113 no matter which path they took.
The question that begs to be asked is how can two centenarians have such contrarian lifestyles yet live to such a ripe old age?
The oldest man in the U.S., and second oldest anywhere, is a fellow by the name of Walter Breuning of Great Falls Montana. He turns 113 in September. He says the secret to long life is being active, “(if) you keep your mind busy and keep your body busy, you’re going to be around a long time.”
Walter understands, I suspect Tomoji did too, and guess Henry might as well, that is, keeping busy albeit each in their own particular way is the ticket to more candles on the birthday cake.
I believe mindset (some call it attitude) is more important than nurturing and conditioning the body.
We all know people who aged too quickly when they gave up their zeal for life. We know others like “Hurricane Hazel” who at 85 is Canada’s best known and longest serving mayor with 31 years under her belt. Mrs. McCallion says “Having a life filled with purpose and meaning and living my life in a Christian-like manner helps to motivate me and keep me energized.”
It could have been the whisky, it could have been the milk, but I suspect it is something they believed in.
What is your mindset? What do you believe in? Don’t worry so much about which path you take; worry more what you are thinking travelling down the path.
Clayton Shold
Salesopedia
