Eons™, the 50-plus media company for lovin’ life on the flipside of 50™, today debuted its annual State of Longevity report based on data collected from more than 450,000 adults over the age of 50 who completed
. The 50-plus Longevity Calculator walks users through 40 questions that assess their personal history, lifestyle habits, nutrition and exercise, medical check-ups, and family history. Upon completion, each user receives his or her calculated longevity, plus personalized recommendations on nutrition and behavior for adding years to their life from Eons and Dr. Perls — founder and director of the New England Centenarian Study, the largest study of centenarians and their families in the world. To find out how each state ranks, see the full report,
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“The fact that so many thousands of people are taking the calculator is a reflection of this generation’s ‘can do’ attitude about living longer, healthier lives,” says Jeff Taylor, founder and CEO of Eons. “The Longevity Calculator is a catalyst for this, providing users with actionable steps — some very simple to do’s, that can make a real difference.”
Calculated Longevity
Longest lives — Hawaii; Colorado; New Mexico
Honorable mention — California; Arizona; Vermont
More work to do — West Virginia; Missouri; Louisiana
Attitude on Aging (+5 years)
Pessimism about aging might independently decrease longevity, while maintaining a stress-free, optimistic outlook on life can have many longevity benefits. By staying positive and not dwelling on negative aspects of life, a person could add five years to their life.
Most positive attitude — Hawaii; New Mexico; Arizona
Honorable mention — South Dakota; Colorado; Alaska
Could use some positive reinforcement — Nebraska; Alabama; Kentucky
Exercise & Fitness (+10 years)
Everyone understands the benefits of exercise, but its relationship to longevity is largely overlooked. By maintaining a modest but steady exercise regimen of at least 30 minutes a day, four days a week, a person can add 10 years to their life.
Best exercisers — Hawaii; Vermont; New Mexico
Honorable mention — Florida; California; Rhode Island
Room to tighten up — Tennessee; Pennsylvania; New Jersey
Most Caffeinated (-1 year)
Excessive coffee drinking can be a sign of increased stress. Stress can lead to a hormonal imbalance, which can physically stress and age the body’s organs. In addition, coffee predisposes the stomach to chronic inflammation and ulcers. Such chronic inflammation leads to release of substances that raise the risk of heart disease.
Heaviest coffee drinkers — South Dakota; North Dakota; Montana
Heaviest tea drinkers — Mississippi; Alaska; Texas
Lightest coffee drinkers — Utah; Indiana; Iowa
Lightest tea drinkers — Utah; Wisconsin; Minnesota
Dental Health — Flossing Regularly (+6 months)
Diligent and regular flossing means keeping teeth and very possibly reducing risk of heart attack. Recent scientific evidence reveals that chronic gum disease leads to the release of inflammatory, toxic substances and certain bacteria into the bloodstream that open the door to plaque formation in arteries and ultimately lead to heart disease.
Most disciplined flossers — Hawaii; California; Vermont
Honorable mention — New Hampshire; Colorado; Arizona
Need to take more time for dental care — South Dakota; Nebraska; North Dakota
Dr. Tom Perls, MD, MPH, who created the 50-plus Longevity Calculator as an advisor to Eons, is a renowned expert in longevity. Dr. Perls created his first Web-based Life Expectancy Calculator in 1999 and recently collaborated with Eons to create proprietary offerings that specifically target 50-plus adults and help them live longer, healthier lives.
“Centenarians represent a new paradigm of aging; the older you get, the healthier you’ve been,” said Dr. Perls. “Genetics certainly play an important role in living to 100, but my research has shown that the vast majority of people should be able to live to their late eighties in exceptional health. Years can be added well beyond that by taking simple healthy steps. The power lies in having this information; that’s why the 50-plus Longevity Calculator is a great resource.”
“Baby boomers are going to live, on average, 20 years longer than their grandparents did,” says Jeff Taylor, founder and CEO of Eons, “But living well — not just living long — is crucial. Eons is putting the power of a full, healthy life into individuals’ hands. Our 50-plus Longevity Calculator and tools to come in the near future will help individuals make the most of the 25 or more healthy years they have beyond age 60 — opening up a world of new possibilities for the potential for a full life.”
About Dr. Tom Perls, MD, MPH
For the past 12 years, Dr. Perls has directed the New England Centenarian Study (NECS). Funded by The Institute for the Study of Health, The Ellison Medical Foundation, The Alzheimer’s Association, and The National Institute on Aging, the NECS is the largest genetic and social study of centenarians and their families in the world. Dr. Perls is author of “Living to 100, Lessons in Maximizing Your Potential at Any Age,” and is Associate Professor of Medicine, Geriatrics Section, Department of Medicine, at a leading Boston teaching hospital.
About Eons
Eons, Inc. inspires and connects adults who are lovin’ life on the flipside of 50™ with tools and resources to help make the most of today, tackle dreams and adventures, and celebrate memories and accomplishments. Founded by Jeff Taylor, creator of Monster.com, Eons has attracted a team of renowned advisors and industry-leading partners and is backed by venture capital financing from General Catalyst Partners, Sequoia Capital, Charles River Ventures and Intel Capital, as well as Humana, Inc. It is supported by corporate founding partners Harrah’s Entertainment, Hyatt Corp., Humana, Inc., Liberty Mutual Group, Fidelity and Verizon Wireless. Eons is headquartered in Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston. For more information about Eons, visit www.eons.com and www.cranky.com.
