Can you remember the millennium hype of 1999? Fast approaching was the coming new year – 2000! Sure, it was the mark of a 1,000 year period, but it was also the mark of the next century, which was a victory in itself and no less exciting. Periodicals, books and broadcasts would collectively take accountability for reaching another aged milestone. It was quite obvious the squeaky clean and fresh young faces reporting on the subject were not even privy to eight-track tapes nor the game of Pong and I am willing to bet the silent writers of many similar articles had barely a wrinkle to claim. Therefore, the “we” that they would boast was more of a false possession to ownership rather than in the literal sense of the word.

Fortunately, it looks like “we” will have a whole new meaning in the coming years. Rather than our beautiful Earth being the majority possessor of the actual hundred years gone past, more and more individuals will be claiming the title of Centenarian. Currently, sixty thousand Centenarians are living in the United States. And, amazingly, it is estimated that by the year 2050, there could be as many as one million. So what is the secret of these blessed souls of longevity? Was it diet and exercise? Was it their hopeful move to the country? What could possibly postpone the prerequisite to the inevitable next beginning?

Scientists have long conducted case studies hoping to narrow in on the secret formula to a long life. Without a doubt, there seems to be a primary common factor. According to Dr. Richard Kerber of the University of Utah, smoking is “the one thing that affects longevity the most.” And might I add, it is not only a relatively sure bet for premature demise, but also makes for a mighty unpleasant jaunt along the way.

Aside from smoking, there are many complex formulas contributing to each Centenarian’s lifespan that ethnicity, socio-economical class nor special diets fail to pinpoint. The search will surely be relentless. In the interim, there is another factor that has been proven to postpone the aging process time and again – exercise. A new initiative – National Blueprint: Increasing Activity Among Adults 50 and Older – is striving toward a national campaign in order to make physical activity more comprehensible to older adults. This measure aims to include educational fitness programs, exercise-supportive advice by clinicians and even the possibility of some of these fitness expenses being covered by healthcare.

Aside from all the healthcare prospects, simply knowing that the golden years are getting all this long overdue attention is a treasureable notion in itself. And, jeez, doesn’t it make you feel young again? From where you stand now to the end point of your own century…makes me feel like grabbing a lollipop and playing a quick game of hopscotch.