The average life expectancy for people in the USA and probably Canada is around 77.7years. Notice all the lucky 7s in that number. Is that good or bad, a win or craps? Of course, these figures are interpreted by people who haven’t been there yet. But the fact is some people live longer and some people don’t. Go figure. And some people just want to life longer no matter what it takes. “I intend to live forever, or die trying.” said Groucho Marx, and he was right. When you ask how we can not die, a good way to start is to ask how we depart this life in the first place. There are some factors that seem out of our reach, such as time and age. A sad fact, our body just gives out and we pass on of Old Age.

As immortality, that is living forever, is the negation of mortality, that is, not dying or not being subject to death, it has been a subject of fascination to humanity since at least the beginning of history. Think of the Fountain of Youth. We’ve always wanted to discover immortality; much like man has discovered space. But, let’s face it, space is there in front of us or above us, and all we have to do is build rocket ships to get there. Immortality isn’t something we can touch or see, just dream about. So what if you do find the magic answers and live forever, what or who do you want to bring with you? Look around and pick and choose the possibilities. Forever is a long time. It’s an eternity.

Do you want to be with that same person forever? Can you bring along your pet dog or cat? Will that old Chevy last that long? Will your golf game improve as time goes on? How about the life-time warrantee on that new HDTV you just bought? Think about all the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc., you can have in all that time, and how many heirs you would have to fight over your accumulated estate. And another thing, if the Universe is 156-billion-lightyears wide, you will have time to make the trip.

OK, how do you get there? “We can live forever, a minute at a time,” said the famous Unknown person. So, how to do you that? Exercise and walking can add years to your life. Moderately walking 30-minutes per day can add 1.4 or more years, vigorous exercise can add up to 3.7 years to your life, they say. You see no magic pills or elixirs to take, just a little time. Some holler that square dancing will add 10-years to your life. Already your age can go over 90 years by doing these simple things.

Keeping close to friends and far away from enemies is a good rule and may add decades to your life expectancy. Driving safely until you can’t see over the steering wheel, then quit, is a good idea. And the modern rule: no cell phones for either talking or texting will keep your eyes on the road that you still can see, you hope. Aerobics and playing sport is part of the exercising rule, but also part of the socializing and mental alertness rules for longevity. You’re pushing 100.

Of course there are the obvious factors that will help add a few more years. These are dieting and eating healthy foods, and occasional medical checkups from a qualified doctor and not the neighbor’s mate. “Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today,” said James Dean, not a qualified doctor, or a saner attitude would be, “I intend to live forever. So far, so good,” said Steven Wright, a comedian. It all works if you try, but forever? Just do the best you can.

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