everything in moderation
In researching the secrets of longevity, Emerald, 62, was amazed to learn that the world's oldest people – Jeanne Louise Calment (pictured) and Marie-Louise Meilleur – were smokers; and now she questions what we’re being told about the terrible health dangers of other pleasures such as food and alcohol."I think the advice that our parents and grandparents received from doctors was a whole lot better for them than the advice we're getting today," sighs Emerald. "Everything in moderation was once the catch-cry, but now it's don't do this, don't do that, and everyone is going around bad-tempered and miserable or drugged up on a whole lot of pharmaceuticals they don't really need."
"I know that genes play an important part in longevity," says Emerald, "but I truly wonder how old Jeanne Louse and Marie-Louise might have lived had they been subjected to the incredible stress of anti-smoking propaganda when they were in their 40s and 50s like I was."
"I think being happy, having a positive outlook on life and taking a genuine pleasure in whatever you do -- whether or not others approve of it -- is very important to longevity," says Emerald. "Oh sure, there are plenty of miserable old baskets rotting in old folks' homes, but it's not just living to a ripe old age that I want.”
“I want to live a long, healthy and happy life," explains Emerald, “with the emphasis on being happy.”
"If doing something that's supposedly 'good' for you makes you feel miserable," says Emerald, "then it's not working for you, right?"
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Labels: Alcohol, food, healthy life, longevity, moderation, smoking
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