There's a controversial biogerontologist (Dr. Aubrey de Grey) in Cambridge, England, who believes "the first person to live to age 1,000 has probably been born."
There's another aging expert at the Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies in San Antonio, Texas, who, much more conservatively, predicts that by 2150, there will be at least one individual who has reached the age of 150.
Steven Austad, the biogerontologist who thinks 150 is entirely possible, believes it so strongly he's "bet" on it. He's reportedly placed money in a blind investment and in the year 2150, if someone has reached the 150 mark, Dr.Austad's descendents are going to be very well-off.
Maybe you're asking yourself "Where does she get this stuff?" In this instance I acquired the information straight from the recent issue of "O, The Oprah Magazine."
I double-checked the sources, of course, but that's where I read it initially. By the way, this month's magazine is entirely devoted to aging "brilliantly."
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I know more than I did then about the effects of a frosted-cookie on my aging body and the extra-importance of a walk around the neighborhood if I choose to indulge. But I would also use "help yourself" in referencing all the age-related health information available for those who choose to indulge.
Over the next few weeks there will be loads of health fairs and presentations about age related challenges occurring across the Valley. This is an informationally-rich time for acquiring health and wellness information.
Let's focus on what's going on Thursday, Oct. 19. Sen. Gordon Smith and a bevy of community health providers are co-hosting a forum for seniors called "Living Healthy, Living Well." There will be dozens of exhibitors and aging experts at your beck and call all day long.
Help yourself. It's being held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel. Lunch is available, without cost, to those who pre-register. Call (541) 732-6213 to reserve your spot.
Personally, I want to learn more about the concept of "memory boot camp" as touted by Dr. Gary Small in his most recent book "The Longevity Bible." A variety of memory-related informational items will be available offered on Oct. 19.
For those of you interested, I'm bringing my smart-as-a-whip pharmacy intern who will do on-the-spot medication reviews for people who have questions about their prescription and over-the-counter medications. If you want to ask someone about the nutritional breakdown of a couple of your favorite foods, there will be an interesting little piece of equipment available to help you do that. ("If I make that frosted cookie with unsweetened applesauce and mashed pinto beans, it has how much protein and how many vitamins?")
I know it's been said before, but the phrase ages well. "Information is power." Even acquiring information can be powerful because we're exercising our cognitive abilities in the process.
Information anyone? Help yourself.
Sharon Johnson is an assistant professor in family and community development at OSU Extension. E-mail her at s.johnson@oregonstate.edu.
