The mantra for retirement is long life, health, financial independence and happiness. A dream, possibility or a reality? Many people, especially men, will tell you that they will never retire, as they fear sudden death. Others look forward to this time to soar in possibilities.

Many of the studies reveal that only about 30% of the ability for long life is as a result of genetics; the other 70% is as a result of environment. This environment includes the quality of the air we breathe, mental stimulation, physical activity, stress management (including sleep) and what we put into our mouths. These factors can determine our disease burden and how we survive them.

Life Insurance

Before we talk about staying healthy and living a long and happy life, we have to face up to the reality and inevitability of death. It’s the one thing we all must face, and if you’re smart, you’ll consider getting whole life insurance quotes before its too late. Life insurance is a contract between a life insurance policy holder and an insurer, where the insurer agrees to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money upon the occurrence of the insured individual’s or individuals’ death or other event, such as critical or terminal illness. In return, the policy holder agrees to pay a set amount (premium) at regular intervals or in lump sums. In the insurance business these days, whole life insurance quotes is the way to go.

Calorie Restriction

The idea that restricting calories can extend life has been around since 1935 when Cornell University researchers noticed that calorie-restricted laboratory rats lived longer than the ones with normal calorie intake and were even healthier. There has been much research since then in rodents and primates, and there are now even groups of people who practice calorie restriction as a way of life. They restrict their daily calories to between 20-30 per cent of the average normal requirement.

This is a lifestyle choice and not a diet, and the benefits are not just weight reduction, but reduction in age-related diseases and extended life span.

The effects of calorie restriction and exercise on heart disease risk were investigated in a one-year study published in 2007. Although both study groups lowered low-density lipoproteins (LDL), raised high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and reduced insulin resistance, only calorie restriction was said to result in significant declines associated with heart disease and heart attacks. There have been concerns about the quality of life experienced in calorie restriction, as it is possible for people to experience hunger, low muscle mass and reduced capacity for high levels of physical activity.

The National Institute on Aging study or Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE) is investigating the risk of two years of food restriction on normal weight individuals in reducing the risk of disease and slowing the ageing process. We will soon have more information to help us decide if the denial of the extra portions is worth the extra years gained.

Tips for Retirees

• In terms of nutrition, we should continue to consume the bulk of our diet from whole foods, mainly from plant sources of various colours for the nutrients and phytonutrients potential in fighting diseases.
• As we age, ensure our diets are adequate in vitamin D and calcium. In Jamaica, we have an abundance of sunshine and so our potential intake of vitamin D is great.
• There is a place for restricting calories, as excess amounts of calories lead to obesity which is the driver for most of the chronic disease. However, as we reduce calories, we must ensure that we do not deprive ourselves of vital, essential nutrients. Eat from a variety of foods in the food groups to reduce the possibility of gaining essential nutrients.

Again though, whatever you do, be sure to look carefully at getting some useful whole life insurance quotes. Life insurance is an important investment that we all need to make (particularly for the benefit of our loved ones).