According to Webster longevity is the length of life. Factors that affect the length of your life vary from country to country; it is also based on sex, with women usually outliving men. An article published in Gender Medicine in 2006 states that women have historically lived longer than men in almost every country because they are more robust at every age, NOT because women age more slowly. Possible causes for this discrepancy in longevity is the more active female immune functioning, the protective effect of estrogen, and the reduced activity of the growth hormone that women have.
Two of the most important factors that may affect life expectancy are genetics and lifestyle. A 2006 study published in Human Genetics found that genetics do appear to influence human lifespan, though the genetic influences on lifespan are minimal before age 60 and only increase thereafter.
Lifestyle plays a large role in longevity too. Lifestyle factors that may affect longevity include not smoking, weight control, blood pressure control and regular exercise. Diet is another large lifestyle factor in longevity. The diet can affect coronary heart disease and cancer according to a 2004 study published in European Journal of Cancer Prevention.
A 2004 study published in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association found that chiropractic care may not add years to your life, but chiropractic care may add life to your years, which is an important consideration. With chiropractic care you can increase your mobility, musculoskeletal function and sense of well-being. It also alleviates any symptoms you are experiencing – all factors that can help you get the most out of your years.
Add Life to your Years through Chiropractic Care
From a prevention standpoint a strong case can be made that chiropractic care does improve longevity. In a 2000 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, the level of primary care, health promotion and prevention activities that chiropractors provide exceed that of other physicians. Your chiropractor can help you successfully modify your health behaviors, in turn positively affecting your longevity.
To experience a high quality of life you need to remain healthy and active throughout your lifespan. Any therapy, including chiropractic care that promotes nerve, organ and musculoskeletal health and function is important for meeting this health goal. Chiropractic care is very effective in restoring and preserving mobility, which allows you the ability to engage in a physically active lifestyle. This itself provides many health benefits.
A major health positive attribute of chiropractic care is the ability of seniors to live independently and is a key reason you should maintain regular visits throughout your lifetime with your chiropractor.
“You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” – George Burns