A group of scientists believes that they can learn more about how people can live longer, healthier lives by looking at the factors that have allowed certain reptiles and amphibians to live extraordinarily long lives.
We’ve all heard stories about giant tortoises and sea turtles that can live to be 150 years old or older. Alligators and crocodiles live incredibly long lives based on their sizes. Researchers have come to term this concept as “negligible aging.” The odds of a 10 year old reptile dying are about the same as a 100 year old reptile dying. What we don’t know is precisely why these creatures live so long–and if there is anything that we can apply from their lives to our own.
One of the hypotheses that researchers had when it came to reptiles and amphibians is that because they are cold blooded, they have more control and regulation over their metabolism. Initial research indicates this is probably not the case. Rather, protection like scales and shells looks like it has a bigger impact on longer lives. What this might mean for people is still unclear at this point.
Even though researchers have learned a lot about our world and how things work, really, we are just starting to scratch the surface of the depths of information that’s out there. There are still undiscovered plants and animals out there, and even parts of the ocean and jungles that haven’t been explored. There’s likely far more of this knowledge out there than we can even guess it. In some ways it’s overwhelming, but in others it is very promising. It indicates that there’s still much that we can do to improve the lives that we all live.
This is all great information. It has the potential to help future seniors live better lives. Unfortunately, that’s not very helpful when it comes to the immediate moment. There are a lot of seniors that need help right now. While this research is definitely important when it comes to the long term implications of senior health, it doesn’t provide immediate benefits.
Regardless of what your loved one’s circumstances might be, they deserve high quality senior care. This isn’t always easily accessible for everyone, though. If you have questions about how to connect those that you love to the care that they need, we’d love to talk more about how you can best help them. Sometimes, just talking through a situation and getting another point of view is the best way to move forward. Sometimes, getting the advice and guidance of a professional can be helpful. It all depends on what you’re looking for.
We might not be the right choice for your family, but we have decades of experience to draw upon that can help. Give us a call to schedule a free consultation today. One of our professionally trained caregivers would be thrilled to talk you through the basics of care and how your family will benefit from having a team of pros on your side.
Leave a Reply