Will I live to age 80?

Questions like "Will I live to age 80?" will continue to plague each of us as we age.  It is easy to proclaim that we all wish we would live that long, and perhaps way past 80.  But there are some who wonder just how important extending longevity really is.  Consider these thoughts sent in by classmates:

Classmate A:

Will I Live to see 80? (Here's something to think about.)
I recently picked a new primary care doctor. After two visits and exhaustive Lab tests, she said I was doing fairly well for my age. (I am past Sixty Five).
A little concerned about that comment, I couldn't resist asking her, 'Do you think I'll live to be 80?'
She asked, 'Do you smoke tobacco, or drink beer, wine or hard liquor?'
'Oh no,' I replied. 'Alcohol doesn't cross my lips. I'm not doing drugs, either!'
Then she asked, 'Do you eat rib-eye steaks and barbecued ribs?'
'I said, 'Not much... My former doctor said that all red meat is very unhealthy!'
'Do you spend a lot of time in the sun, like playing golf, boating, sailing, hiking, or bicycling?  You know, too much sun is really not good for you, and you could suffer from skin cancer.'
'No, I don't,' I said.
She asked, 'Do you gamble, drive fast cars, or have a lot of sex?'
'No,' I said...
She looked at me and said, 'Then, why do you even care if you reach age 80?'
You know...I never thought of it that way!


agape