Rock-Stars-of-Aging-by-Marc-Middleton

Rocks Stars of Aging
38
HEALTH, FITNESS AND NUTRITION
24: Centenarians Get Sunlight, but Not Too Much
“I think you might dispense with half your doctors if you would only
consult Dr. Sun more.” -- Henry Ward Beecher, minister (June 24,
1813 – March 8, 1887)
You probably won’t find too many centenarians at the beach in a
Speedo or a bikini but you will see them outside in the sun -- and
that’s important.
While many elderly people rarely or ever leave their rooms or homes,
centenarians get outside regularly to walk, swim, or garden, where
they absorb sunlight in moderate amounts and reap the many
benefits -- better absorption of calcium and phosphorus, the growth of
bones and teeth, muscle strength, regulation of heartbeats,
prevention of breast cancer, colon cancer, osteoarthritis,
osteoporosis, improved thyroid function, normal blood clotting and
more.
Just as too much sun can lead to cancer, too little sun can lead to
multiple health issues. Vitamin D is critical to well-being and longevity
and is one of our most common vitamin deficiencies. Doctors
recommend getting 15 minutes of sun every day (or taking 1,000 IU
of vitamin D.)
Rock Stars of Aging
38