December 18, 2009
Look Young - Live Longer
A hard life and smoking are among factors that are linked to
the look of aging and a shorter life.
Look Young - Live Longer
A hard life and smoking are among factors that are linked to
the look of aging and a shorter life.
SUMMARY: New research by Danish scientists seems to indicate that the
younger a person looks, the longer that person will live. Not only will people
with deceptively youthful looks likely live longer, they tend to enjoy better
health throughout their lives and are less prone to dementia. So claims a
study published this week in the British Medical Journal.
The researchers had asked people to look at photographs of hundreds of
pairs of twins, all 70 or older, and guess their ages. After seven years, the
scientists found that the bigger the difference in the perceived age of the
twins, the more likely it was that the older-looking twin died first. Although this
research was conducted on older adults, U. of Southern Denmark Professor
Kaare Christensen said the effect might be even more pronounced in middle
age.
The conclusions of this study make sense. Factors like smoking, sitting in the
sun, depression and low socio-economic status are known to accelerate
aging. However, being married, high social status, lack of depression and a
low body-mass index contribute to a more youthful appearance. Some genetic
factors may be involved too, such as the length of one's telomeres (pieces of
DNA). This Danish study confirmed that shorter telomeres are linked to faster
aging and a number of diseases.
To read the entire article, click on this link to ABC NEWS
COMMENT: Another factor which can increase longevity and which was
ignored by this article is the role one's religious faith plays in his/her life. I
believe it has been well documented that frequent church-goers and others
who say their faith is important to them do live longer, and probably more
often than not they show it in healthier physical as well as emotional
characteristics.
Knowing that there is a God who is watching over them, who even knows how
many hairs are on their heads (Matthew 10:29-31) can bring a contentment
into their lives that cannot be found anywhere else. Even more important,
believing in a Savior who gave up His life so that they can be eternally saved
will significantly reduce or eliminate any stress that people will feel when
contemplating the ebbing away of their earthly lives.
So, reader, if you are not currently a dedicated Christian, it is imperative that
pick up your Bibles and read about the Christ who did so much for you, whose
coming to earth the first time we are celebrating during this Christmas season.
Through the words of Scripture the Holy Spirit can bring you the peace about
which the angels spoke and which just might turn that frown on your face into a
smile.
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your request to [admin@lutheranscience.org].
**************************************************************************************
QUESTION OF THE DAY
How big of a gift should you give to your mailman this Christmas?
**************************************************************************************
NOTE ON VISITOR COMMENTS: Visitor comments are invited including those
containing alternate views. However, comments containing profanity or
advertisements will not be published. After posting a comment, please allow
several hours for it to appear on the blog.
**************************************************************************************
younger a person looks, the longer that person will live. Not only will people
with deceptively youthful looks likely live longer, they tend to enjoy better
health throughout their lives and are less prone to dementia. So claims a
study published this week in the British Medical Journal.
The researchers had asked people to look at photographs of hundreds of
pairs of twins, all 70 or older, and guess their ages. After seven years, the
scientists found that the bigger the difference in the perceived age of the
twins, the more likely it was that the older-looking twin died first. Although this
research was conducted on older adults, U. of Southern Denmark Professor
Kaare Christensen said the effect might be even more pronounced in middle
age.
The conclusions of this study make sense. Factors like smoking, sitting in the
sun, depression and low socio-economic status are known to accelerate
aging. However, being married, high social status, lack of depression and a
low body-mass index contribute to a more youthful appearance. Some genetic
factors may be involved too, such as the length of one's telomeres (pieces of
DNA). This Danish study confirmed that shorter telomeres are linked to faster
aging and a number of diseases.
To read the entire article, click on this link to ABC NEWS
COMMENT: Another factor which can increase longevity and which was
ignored by this article is the role one's religious faith plays in his/her life. I
believe it has been well documented that frequent church-goers and others
who say their faith is important to them do live longer, and probably more
often than not they show it in healthier physical as well as emotional
characteristics.
Knowing that there is a God who is watching over them, who even knows how
many hairs are on their heads (Matthew 10:29-31) can bring a contentment
into their lives that cannot be found anywhere else. Even more important,
believing in a Savior who gave up His life so that they can be eternally saved
will significantly reduce or eliminate any stress that people will feel when
contemplating the ebbing away of their earthly lives.
So, reader, if you are not currently a dedicated Christian, it is imperative that
pick up your Bibles and read about the Christ who did so much for you, whose
coming to earth the first time we are celebrating during this Christmas season.
Through the words of Scripture the Holy Spirit can bring you the peace about
which the angels spoke and which just might turn that frown on your face into a
smile.
**************************************************************************************
Want to be automatically notified each time there is a new post? Just e-mail
your request to [admin@lutheranscience.org].
**************************************************************************************
QUESTION OF THE DAY
How big of a gift should you give to your mailman this Christmas?
**************************************************************************************
NOTE ON VISITOR COMMENTS: Visitor comments are invited including those
containing alternate views. However, comments containing profanity or
advertisements will not be published. After posting a comment, please allow
several hours for it to appear on the blog.
**************************************************************************************
0 Comments
If you know he/she has been on the job less than
six months, don't feel obligated to give anything.
Otherwise, you might ask others what they are
giving if you are not sure. Mail carriers are
prohibited from accepting cash gifts or any gift
greater in value than $20.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (11/19/09)
six months, don't feel obligated to give anything.
Otherwise, you might ask others what they are
giving if you are not sure. Mail carriers are
prohibited from accepting cash gifts or any gift
greater in value than $20.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (11/19/09)
| LSI stands for the Lutheran Science Institute, an organization of WELS and ELS Lutherans interested in science and health issues with a special emphasis on the creation and evolution controversy. This blog's purpose is to search the Internet to find articles of interest to Christians. Views expressed are those of the author (Warren Krug) and are not necessarily those of the Lutheran Science Institute, Inc. |