How to live old

Jacques Laplante and
David Riendeau

Sunday, 30 July, 2017 08:00

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Sunday, 30 July, 2017 08:00

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The secret of the longevity of centenarians? A combination of genetics, healthy living and unshakable confidence in itself, ” said Dr. Judes Poirier, to whom we owe the book Young and centenary.

The book of popular science explains the mechanisms of human ageing through the phenomenon of centenarians, always more numerous in our society.

“For 15 years, a colleague has sought to know the secret of longevity of several century-old French. The answers were very varied. One swore by a glass of red daily, while for the other, it was his spoonful of honey,” says Judes Poirier, director of research at the Institute of mental health Douglas.

Archival Photo Chantal Poirier

Dr. Judes Poirier has explored the factors that contribute to the longevity of centenarians

However, all claimed to have worked for all their lives and get a great pride.

The same exercise has been done, this time with their children and grandchildren.

“They held that the centenarians were people decidedly positive, determined and confident in their abilities. They lived fully in the moment, and remain constantly active. “

The same explanations of regularity, temperance, and work come back in most of the major studies on centenarians conducted in various countries, notes Dr. Poirier.

A complex issue

The causes responsible for the aging are multiple and it is possible to age beautifully, emphasizes the scientist, citing by example the benefits of physical activity.

“The exercise by itself does not prolong the life of the human. However, it improves the quality of life of the past few years. The goal is to mitigate the risk of emerging chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. “

Young hundred-year-old also addressed the issue of “blue zones,” these areas of the world where the life expectancy of their inhabitants is superior to the rest of the world.

“If they have the same genes, their mode of life is different,” observes Judes Poirier, who has compiled some general trends in their habits, such as having life goals clear and to live a long time with their family.

Six tips for aging well

Number of centenary over time

• 2011 : 1194
• 2012 : 1209
• 2013 : 1387
• 2014 : 1525
• 2015 : 1623
• 2016 : 1800 (90 % of these centenarians are women)

In 2061, it is estimated that there will be nearly 34 000 centenarians in Quebec.

Source : Institut de la statistique du Québec

Irene Richard, 106 years

Photo Pierre-Paul Poulin

The life of Irene, Richard, 106 years, can be summed up in two words : hard work. Click here to read more…

Geraldine Crevier, 100 years

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When asked, Geraldine Crevier, 100 years old, replied that there was no secret to his longevity, especially as she smoked until the age of 50 years. Curious by nature, this is perhaps not his thirst for learning that keeps it alive, but it is certainly making his old days as interesting. Click here to read more…

Winnifred Rees, 100 years

Photo Marc QMI Agency, Desrosiers

“My secret is prayer and the Bible. I believe in the power of God, ” says Winnifred Rees, who will soon be 101 years old. Click here to read more…

Joacquina Lalande, 106 years

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From the top of its 106 years, Joacquina Lalande refuses to impose. The only daughter of a family of seven children, she has always been a go-getter who wasn’t afraid of hard work. Click here to read more…

Sarah Patenaude, 110 years

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According to Sarah Patenaude, to live well, it takes work, but do not lay claim to. It is necessary to take a vacation, eat fruit and meat and well practice his or her religion, whatever it may be. “Anyway, there is some good in all religions,” she said. Click here to read more…

Gisele Bright, 101 years

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If several of the centenarians attribute their longevity to a trick or a secret of any kind, such as a healthy life, away from tobacco and alcohol, this is not the case of Gisèle Brilliant, which celebrated its 101 years in may. Click here to read more…