Palawenya Tattler

Longevity used to simply mean a long life. With the advances on science and medicine in particular these days, the definition has improved to living a long life while maintaining good physical and mental health. That being said, the three factors that weigh in on longevity would be advanced age, good physical condition, and functional mental health.

Advanced Age. Global averages in 2026 put the average lifespan at 72-73 years old. In the US, the average is about 79 years, and China is targeting 80 by the year 2030. In developed nations like Japan and some European countries, it goes past 84 years old.

Now what does that tell us? Development seems to factor in on average lifespan. Developed countries have better technologies that not only detect and diagnose irregularities earlier, they also have better technologies for managing symptoms and delaying progression of diseases.

These things, along with other developments making life easier on the body, the mind, and overall wellbeing, allow for better quality of life for longer.

Good physical condition. We’ve seen it so many times! People celebrating more birthdays than they would care to count. In fact, it is one of the reasons people opt for euthanasia. Having an incurable and, most of the time, painful disease could give many a good reason to go. As such, the focus on longevity now takes into account the physical condition. It is not enough to advance in years; the years best be free from chronic diseases and disability.

Advances in the area of being free from chronic diseases and its debilitating effects have improved over time; and the results have urged mankind to explore even more. These days, we are turning our backs on the processed food we were in such a hurry to make in the past (all in the name of convenience). We have encouraged slow cooking, farm-to-table experiences, and recognizing the value of time spent around the people we care about. These things have been known to contribute significantly in the improvement of one’s physical wellbeing.

What health strategies are you trying to do at home in the quest for longevity?

Functional mental health. Our ability to think and process what’s going on around us affects how we handle the difficulties and curveballs thrown our way. For other adults, the body is able but the mind keeps them stuck in a place where no one else can go and follow. They could be walking (no pain, no disability, or whatever) but doing so like a zombie…or causing so much trouble and anxiety to the people around them; and that’s no way to live. Lately, science has come up with ways to manage and/or make symptoms less troublesome; but it does take a heavier toll when your mind is what’s confusing you.

As a medical VA, I get to talk to patients all the time…they would find a way to inject stories into our interactions and I was always happy to indulge. But I will never forget that one patient who told me she just might throw herself in front of a truck one of these days. She said dementia is no joke! And this was a woman who has very good medical insurance coverage and all. Her physical body was also in a much better condition than most…yet that was a thought she kept repeating throughout the call. Sadly, as I heard it said before, when the mind goes, everything else follows.

Have you dealt with a family member whose mental state was affecting quality of life for her and the people around her? Would you like to share your insights on that?

Longevity is only worth the extra years if you can enjoy it; and both the physical and mental components affect that heavily.

My Grandparents

Personally, I was lucky to have had my grandparents in my life growing up…and afterwards. My maternal grandmother was around until I had my firstborn at 22. She was already blind at the time, but still physically able to move around and take care of herself. She wouldn’t take a personal assistant (she didn’t need a nurse at that point) or a housemaid. Her mind and body were both able to function almost optimally. The same is true for my maternal grandfather. He was around until my son was two or three (I was 32). He would do morning walks with him, go to the market, and buy him sweet treats that he would watch him devour with gusto…all while singing to him. My paternal grandparents? We only see them in the summer, but they were also full of zest for the life they chose for themselves. I suppose that’s the kind of old age experience to hope for.

What’s your take on longevity? If you have tips handed over from your grandparents or other elders in the community, we’d love to hear about it!