Why is it women live longer than men?
Free radicals, man, or more accurately, a lack thereof.
At least that’s the gist of what the latest research study is trying to say: Because women menstruate, they live longer than men.
Pardon?
Dr. Thomas Perls, a leading longevity expert in the U. S., says the iron deficiency women suffer when they menstruate can slow the aging process. Iron feeds the production of free radicals, which float in the blood stream and can increase the risk of heart disease.
That’s right, women suffer through pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), shed blood and tissue for the better part of a week and get to live longer because of it, according to Perls.
I know a few women out there who would gladly trade the opportunity to become a centenarian (four-out-of-five people who live past the age of 100 are women) to avoid the monthly pains of menstruation.
For men, all we have to do, according to Dr. Longevity, is eat less red meat and give blood regularly.
I know a lot of men who would gladly continue to eat steak rather than live to be 100. As for bloodletting, bring on the leeches of the Middle Ages.
OK, before all the calls and e-mails begin accusing me of being very callous comparing steak eating to menstruation, let’s be clear here: Doc Perls started it. Honest.
To be fair, there is no comparison. Men see what women go through, from painful cramping to mood swings to wearing various forms of absorbent material.
An aside on the subject — remember when tampon and sanitary napkin commercials on the tube were the ones that left you feeling uncomfortable? Along came erectile dysfunction and the drugs to “pump you up!” At first, these ads took over as leaders in the discomfort zone. Then the marketing experts took over and 50-plus men across the airwaves began dancing down the streets in the morning, along with happy women, and suddenly it was cool to pop a little blue pill.
Meanwhile, menstruation is still in the “Eww Zone” in terms of commercials. Companies only use blue-coloured water to show how absorbent their product is, while actors walking around in white pants is about as daring as the commercials will go.
Call in the marketing folks. Start the street dancing.
Anyway, back to living longer. I’d be satisfied to hit age 80. That’s a great age (column disclaimer: if I do reach octogenarian status in 36 years and people are living a lot longer, then add at least 10 years to my prior statement). I honestly don’t know what I’d do with myself if I am “lucky” enough to live to be 100. I mean, people generally retire at age 65 or younger. That means 35 years of retirement, or longer.
But that’s the key. If you stop living when you retire, you’re going to die. I know that’s one of the most obvious statements you’ve ever read, but think about it.
I mean actual living — doing stuff. To work hard all your life and to suddenly shut the tap off is one hell of a system shock.
Sure, eating less steak, bleeding regularly (free radicals, man), drinking green tea, enjoying heaps of vegetables and fruits while holding off on the fast food, and even flossing twice a day can help you live longer (look up the flossing thing, it’s true). But stay active, both mentally and physically, and you will help your body and mind stay fresh.
Bruce Corcoran is the managing editor of The Chatham Daily News. Contact the writer at bcorcoran@chahamdailynews.ca