Lecture Notes on Jeanne Louise Calment and Longevity

Introduction

• Birth of Jeanne Louise Calment in 1875 in Arles, France
• Historical context: no cars or airplanes, reliance on horse-drawn carriages and candles for light
• Calment lived a record-breaking life of 122 years

Milestones in Calment's Life

• 1889: Age 14, Eiffel Tower built in Paris
• 1896: Married at 21; Mahatma Gandhi moved to South Africa
• 1914: Age 39, World War I begins
• 1934: Daughter dies of lung infection at age 59
• 1942: World War II in full swing, Calment loses her husband at age 64
• 1947: India gains independence; Calment is 72
• 1969: Celebrates 94th birthday as humans land on the moon
• 1985: Calment at age 110, moves to a nursing home
• 1988: Gains worldwide attention as the oldest living person
• 1997: Passes away at age 122

Longevity Research

The Role of Luck vs. Lifestyle

• Longevity influenced by both luck and lifestyle choices
• Danish twin study (1870-1900): 20% genetics, 80% lifestyle and environment

Blue Zones Research

• Dan Buettner's exploration of areas with high centenarian populations
• Five Blue Zones identified:
  1. Sardinia, Italy
  2. Okinawa, Japan
  3. Loma Linda, California (Seventh-day Adventists)
  4. Icaria, Greece
  5. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Power 9: Common Lifestyle Habits in Blue Zones

1. Move Naturally

   • Incorporate small, natural movements throughout the day
   • Sedentary lifestyles linked to higher mortality risk
   • Importance of walking and using body muscles naturally

2. Purpose

   • Japanese concept of Ikigai: having a reason for being
   • A sense of purpose linked to increased life expectancy

3. Downshift

   • Importance of stress reduction techniques
   • Practices: honoring ancestors, prayer, napping, socializing

4. 80% Rule

   • Japanese principle of Harahachibu: eating until 80% full
   • Benefits of calorie restriction and fasting

5. Plant Slant

   • Predominantly plant-based diets
   • High consumption of beans, whole grains, vegetables, and tubers
   • Health benefits of vegetarian and vegan diets

6. Wine@5

   • Moderate wine consumption noted in some Blue Zones
   • Recent research questions benefits of alcohol, suggests alternatives like grapes

7. Belong

   • Importance of being part of social or faith-based communities
   • Increased life expectancy associated with community participation

8. Loved Ones First

   • Prioritizing family and relationships
   • Living near or with aging family members

9. Right Tribe

   • Surrounding oneself with positive influences and healthy habits
   • Social circles impact behaviors such as smoking, obesity, and happiness

Conclusion

• Possible to live a long life outside traditional Blue Zones
• Singapore emerging as a potential 6th Blue Zone due to healthy policies
• Following Power 9 habits can help increase life expectancy
• Emphasis on lifestyle choices over luck for longevity

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• For further insights, explore more on negative examples of lifestyles.