Fitness guru Richard Simmons dead at 76

That's the funny thing about looking at individual cases, we can't say what their lifespan would have been like if their behavior was different.

But we can look at large groups of people and say that yes, in general, being fit and healthy tends to result in a longer lifespan.

I’m no fan of exercise. But as I imminently approach 40, I’m feeling and seeing its value more and more. The purpose of fitness is not longevity - it is independence and quality of life. Just assume you’re going to live to age 90 either way. Look around at some 80 year olds. Breathing machines, walkers, bed ridden… how do you want to spend your years? Years! Your body will become a torture prison unless you tend to it. Dying is the least of my concerns.

I know plenty of examples like that in my circle of family and friends.

But you know what, a lot of those people who have shitty health, eat whatever and live to be 80 are miserable, senile, weak and unhealthy people for the last ten years of their lives. They do live long lives but what sense is it to survive to 70 or 80 if you are going to be miserable and probably not be aware for the last ten years of your life?

It's fun to say eat whatever you want and not exercise but if you risk torturing yourself for the last few years of your life .... what's the point?

I'd rather be as healthy as possible right up to end if I can help it. I certainly don't want to be a helpless old man who can't think anymore and leave my family to decide when and if I should go.

You may, or may not like this song but here you go.. https://youtu.be/QT3-ySabCiA?si=u0KeB5tKvONyiFMM

Catchy at least.

Homeostasis is life, keeping it in a stable manageable range is longevity.

Fitness can put all sorts of strains on the body that someone living within their limits might not have to endure.

Humor, how does it work?