Nightshift can be a surprising source of inspiration. Inevitably there are times where the burden of work dries up, and long empty hours can pass slowly, only broken by the radio, and the ocassional false emergency (taxi equivalent of a wrong number). Other times a lively conversation can spring up on unlikely topics (once – the colour of “zimmerite”, which was textured paint put on late WW2 German tanks….., often, who is/was Spidermans greatest foe, or, faults with the last scifi blockbuster depiction of antigravity, or, the origon of the placemname/word/saying).
Last night, one topic was “indicators longevity” . We’ve been here before. There have been several studies, now running long enough to be potentially meaningful. We have the usual suspects, regular exercise, moderation in food and drink, not smoking – though, and this was our starting point – apparently, having smoked, but given up, is a stronger indication, that you will carry on through the ages.
Presumably it reflects a persons strength of will, or better, state of mind, rather than suggesting that having smoked was itself somehow beneficial.
Religious worship also features on the list, (faith – immaterial) and I can see that being part of of the same thing, either that or the literal power of god…whichever one. Presumably if you believe, you have something good to look forward too? An afterlife is good for your life!
However the top two indicators, which completely dwarf all the other signs, are;
2/ A group of close peers with whom you spend quality time (peers; to avoid tiresome argument of friends/familly when surely by our age, most are both). In this respect I have always considered myself specially blessed, and so destined to live forever.
But number one – in numerous studies – remains :
Regular small social interactions with the wider community.
“Hello Postie” “Good morning checkout boy” “Nice weather today WPC…” “Hi boss, how was the weekend…”
I am self confessedly bad at this. In fact, beyond bad, I frequently don’t care. Which is probably a sad inditement, but I’ve often wondered about the logic, why is this such a strong indicator? (I suggest it also plays heavilly into the “regular worship” category.)
Clearly a sense of community is important to us as humans, could it be as simple as identifying that we belong? Or a sense that we part – however distant – of some kind of larger organism – or maybe it’s that belief rather than the fact?
I find that I am asking these questions more frequently as time goes by, but I don’t have any answers. Maybe if I learn my posties name, he can tell me.
Next week on IaDL: Didn’t we use to play music?
Dalmallyfest the Asylum 