When one reaches the three-quarter century mark (as I did with the publishing of this issue) one pauses to reflect — at least this one has. Do we have 75 years experience or do we have one year’s experience 75 times?

Arguably, I fall into the former category largely due to a couple of life threatening experiences. The first occurred when a deer slug pierced my belly 46 years ago. As I lay on the ground facing death it was not so much my life flashing before me as it was all the unfulfilled opportunities. I vowed that — given another chance — I would make more out of life. A more recent experience, which occurred 12 years ago when a well-developed malignant tumor threatened to take me out of the game, generated another vow that if I survived I would adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Good judgment comes as a result of experience — which is the result of bad judgment. Some people learn from their mistakes while others never do. In the words of a German friend; “Ve get to soon oldt und too late shmart.”

Our generation didn’t know that if we smoked a pack of cigarettes a day there was only a 20 percent chance of living an active life much beyond 60.

Everybody smoked and if the tobacco companies knew about the danger they did a pretty good job of suppressing the evidence. Most of our friends have given up smoking as I did after my bout with cancer. Thank God I only smoked a couple of cigarettes a day.

Now we preach a gospel (through the pages of this magazine) of exercise, healthy diet and abstinence from life-threatening habits such as smoking and over-eating or not eating well. We try to wring the most out of every day because time on this mortal coil has become a much more precious commodity than ever before now that the end is in sight.

Having achieved virtually every goal set for myself during the last 75 years, now it is time to establish new goals for the next stretch. Recently, an article in “Life Extension” (a great tool for keeping the golden years golden) revealed that, because of medical advances and health research, living an active life for 100 years and beyond is achievable to any person with reasonable health.

Additionally, an article in “AARP Magazine” (another great magazine for us 55-plusers) tells the story of Costa Rica’s remarkable centenarians. The village of Hojancha, on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, has one of the healthiest, longest-lived populations on the planet. Living to 100, for the people of this unique village, is almost the norm.

Their lifestyle reveals much about living healthy well into the century mark. Here are some aspects:
• Strong sense of purpose — They have a clear mission in life, which is called a “plan de vida.” They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good.
• Drinking hard water — Their water has one of the world’s highest calcium content, which perhaps explains the centenarian’s lower rates of heart disease, stronger bones and fewer hip fractures (a leading cause of death among octogenarians).
• Focus on family — Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families and children or grandchildren, which provides support and a sense of purpose and belonging.
• Eat a light dinner — Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known.
• Maintain social networks — Nicoyan centurions get frequent visits from neighbors. They know how to listen, laugh and appreciate what they have.
• Work hard — Centurions seemed to have enjoyed work all of their lives. They find joy in everyday physical chores.
• Get some sensible sun — Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy bodies (this message is endorsed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce).

After researching for this article I am convinced that living an active, healthy life for 100 years and beyond is entirely feasible and therefore this has become another goal for me. PMA (positive mental attitude) is a vital part of the program. Whether you think you can or you think you can’t — you’re right.

Harold Miller is a retired business leader and Auburn native. He may be contacted at HMillerMod@aol.com