One of the first things I do in the morning is read the obituaries. I have found that the older I get the more interest I have in the ages of the people dying around me. On most mornings the obituary column is full of people of different ages. Some are young, but most are old. 

The average person can rest assured somewhere in their eighties a transition will occur.  I just turned 48 years old and feel wonderful, but I know that my days are numbered. I recall the first time I met my old boss Dr. A.G. Gaston. It was 1984 and he was 91 years old. He said to me “You know I don’t have many more days.” He lived to be 103 years old. 

Life spans have increased greatly over the years. Did you know that in 1901 the life expectancy of someone born in 1901 was only 49 years old? In the year 2000 it was 77 years old (in the western world). This large increase can be attributed to the eradication and control of several infectious diseases and scientific advances. This increase in life spans is threatened by obesity. Obesity contributes to the rise of cancers, heart disease and diabetes. 

Did you know that certain trees have nearly lived longer than recorded human history? My research has revealed that the baobab tree can live for 1000-4000 years. The olive tree is similarly long-lived. The olive tree was domesticated in the Mediterranean. There are olive trees alive today that were planted by the ancient Greeks. It would seem to me that scientist would

study the baobab tree and the olive tree. There is something inside of them that cause them to live a long time. I plan to add olives to my diet. I will now eat three peanuts a day and an olive with the rest of my meal. 

The world record life span continues to be 122 years old. I may not get there with you but I am confident that civilization’s greatest scourge will soon and very soon be defeated. People will begin living hundreds and thousands of years. It’s going to be a mess I tell you! 

In the words of my dad, Dr. Melvin J. Griffin Sr., “If you don’t have money at least have class!” 

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com or write to him at P.O. Box 250194 Montgomery, Alabama 36125-0194.