Doctors and gerontologists pointed out the reasons for the longevity of the former US president Jimmy Carter, who on Tuesday , October 1, celebrated his 100th birthday, writes Today.
Carter became the first US president to live to see his 100th birthday. As of February 2023, he has been in hospice care as he has battled cancer for nine years.
Experts say that the first reason for Carter's incredible longevity is his determination and love of work. After leaving the presidency, the politician became a volunteer in a charitable foundation that helped rebuild destroyed homes in 14 countries. Gerontology professor Walter Longo of the University of Southern California believes that helping others shows a will to live. “After all, it just gets you out of bed,” explained the specialist.
Furthermore, Carter has always sought to learn something new even in old age, which gerontologists say also helps prolong life. After his political career ended, Carter and his wife founded a charitable foundation. In addition, the former president wrote several books, and at the age of 62 he learned to ski.
A successful marriage and strong family were also cited as one of the reasons for Carter's longevity. He and his wife lived together for 77 years. When Rosalyn Carter died in November 2023, the former president said she was his “equal partner in all his accomplishments, offering wise counsel and support when needed.
Experts say that constant physical activity is another reason for Jimmy Carter's longevity. He ran regularly until the age of 80, then switched to walking and swimming because of knee problems. Also, he and his wife rode bikes together. As gerontologist Howard Friedman of the University of Southern California notes, it's not necessary to exercise. This can be replaced, for example, with work in the garden or simply with a walk.
The gerontologist Thomas Perls of Boston University is convinced that extroverts live longer because they have better cognitive function and are always in a good mood. A scientist who knows the former president said he is a very outgoing person who radiates positive energy.
Perls also noted Carter's mental toughness as another reason for his longevity. The gerontologist noted that the former president didn't fall into depression after learning he had cancer in 2015, and also stoically endured his wife's departure.
Perls cites faith as the final reason for Carter's longevity. He is sure that religiosity helped Carter to overcome stressful situations more easily.