Living to 100

There are four keys to a long life, according to a recent study by BMO Wealth Institute (related to the Bank of Montreal). The four factors shouldn’t come as a surprise to readers of Retirement Watch or this blog. But the linked article is a good summary of the available research.

The BMO report cited as a demonstration of the link between work and longevity the example of the Italian wine-growing region of Chianti:

“While the elders may leave the more taxing jobs to the youngsters, they never fully retire. The older members of the family continue to walk the rows of vines to make sure the grapes are in good condition and participate in tastings to ensure the quality of the wine, and they remain involved in important business decisions. Many locals claim it’s their ongoing daily involvement that is responsible for their exceptionally long and healthy lives.”

While social connections foster health and happiness, the report cites University of Chicago research indicating that its absence is related to “increases in stress, hardening of the arteries and inflammation in the body” as well as diminution of “the brain’s executive function, learning and memory.”