The results of a long-term study on monkeys into the effects of a restricted diet seem to back up the theory that limiting calorie intake may delay ageing, increase mobility in the elderly, aid memory and reduce the risk of diseases like diabetes. Studies on calore restriction have been published over the last 70 years but this latest one is of particular significance because it was conducted on one of mankind’s closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
The picture below graphically shows the difference between two elderly monkeys of the same age - the one on the right having been on a restricted diet for years.
I’m sorry to say that I know which one I’m more likely to end up resembling.
As humans we’re continually fascinated by extending our lifespans but how many of us are willing to forego the simple pleasures of [naughty] food and drink along the way? Yes, I could do with shifting my butt away from this computer more often, yes, I could do with losing weight, but if I was continually pounding the roads, sweating cobs in the process, or endlessly on the ‘jogerlator’ in the gym with only a bottle of water to keep me company, I might well live to 103, but I’d be a right misery. I also know what a complete C.O.W. I can be when continually hungry on diets, so I suspect I’d make myself so insufferable that no one would want to know me.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about this study you can head on over to the BBC website here. In the meantime, who’s for tea and biccies?
.... feeling war-torn and weary 
26 Comments
July 10, 2009 at 6:27 pm
I’m pretty healthy but me likes me glass of red wine at night, and chocolate is my lifelong companion. I love this planet, my family, my life, but I’ll be okay when it’s time to say tally ho!
July 11, 2009 at 4:40 am
I’m with you. Stay healthy but enjoy life along the way.
July 10, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Interesting pics! Makes ya think..
July 11, 2009 at 4:35 am
Yeah, it does, doesn’t it. It’s a shocking difference…but I still find myself wondering which monkey had the better time along the way!
July 10, 2009 at 6:39 pm
I’m glad I found your post. I’m going through a re-thinking of how I eat, which I’ve been blogging about too, and I’m finding it difficult to get by on the limited diet that seems to be necessary for restoring health. I appreciate the “healthy monkey” perspective, and I should take a look at the study. I’m sure it’s not just calories, but choice of calorie source that gives us that shiney plush coat in our old age.
July 11, 2009 at 4:47 am
Oh no, not just calories…what we put into our bodies is of mega importance. The problem is that we all need to become experts in nutrition to know what’s ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ now and one study will come out with exactly the opposite to another study. For instance, I read recently that far from increasing cholesterol, eggs may in fact *reduce* it and we should therefore be eating more of them. Aaaarrrrggghh!. Of course I listen to latest advice but in the end it’s simplest to try to follow the principle of ‘everything in moderation’.
July 10, 2009 at 6:40 pm
True, it is hard to live a healthy lifestyle. It’s crazy to see the difference in those 2 monkeys, though. Little steps add up, who knows you make end up going to the gym more often.
-OCV
July 11, 2009 at 4:54 am
Absolutely 100% spot on! There is a modern obsession with some to twist themselves through hoops, following latest advice and endlessly exercising.
Confucius he say: It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.
Little steps….
July 10, 2009 at 7:26 pm
If you don’t plan on living past 27, then yes, calorie restriction would be a waste. Butttt most people have a infatuation with their corporeal existence and want to prolong it for as long as possible.
Actually, recent scientific study individuals who exercise regualurly and eat a ‘proper’ diet [no citation of course] have shown not only an increase in longevity, but also a greater sense of self-worth and, say-it-isn’t-so, happiness. The benefits are exponential—longer, happier lives.
Maybe you’re one of those people who love to brood in despair. I sympathize.
http://projectgroupthink.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/i-can-make-you-longer-and-stronger
July 11, 2009 at 4:55 am
‘Love to brood in despair’ …what?!
July 13, 2009 at 1:39 am
Something along the lines of… you’d get more enjoyment out of eating whatever you want and not exercising, which, for most people, would make then depressed and unhappy.
Its a stretch, heh.
July 10, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Interesting post…The pictures really say a lot, but unfortunately, I too am going to be the sad looking monkey on the left…
July 11, 2009 at 5:02 am
Aaaah, but our Mummies and Daddies may have passed on better genes than that monkey’s on the left. …’s what I like to think anyway….
July 10, 2009 at 7:31 pm
If I’m going to restrict my diet, I’ve got to gain a significant number of years. I’m not doing the work only to end up 1-2 years ahead of where I’d be for eating a steady fast food, artery clogging, sugar saturated diet.
July 11, 2009 at 5:07 am
Yep, and it’s all a lottery anyway. Who knows what is mapped out for us? A calorie restricted diet wouldn’t have stopped a blood vessel from popping in my brain and maybe this is why I’m not fanatical about diet and exercise!
July 11, 2009 at 12:29 am
That is a very interesting study to say the least. Sadly, we know what we need to do but refuse to do it. Stubborn are we?
Maricris
July 11, 2009 at 5:12 am
Stubborn…and happy. The knowledge is good, little baby steps at improvement are good, staying happy is better.
July 11, 2009 at 12:35 am
[...] Who Wants to Live Forever? [...]
July 11, 2009 at 2:50 am
Nah, I don’t want to live forever. That doesn’t sound like fun at all!
July 11, 2009 at 5:13 am
No, pretty grim actually. I’m already getting grumpy with ‘the younger generation’. Imagine what it would be like at 103 (or beyond)!
July 12, 2009 at 12:51 am
This makes me sad that my dog is overweight.
July 12, 2009 at 9:04 am
Oh poor wee doggie – you need to put him on a calorie restricted diet.
July 12, 2009 at 1:21 am
Have you seen what the humans who go on those calorie restricted diets look like? I keep seeing the same couple and they are basically skin and bones and look 30 years older than their real age. I think we all look better with a bit of fat. Plus then there is no need for fat injections in the cheeks (face or buttocks LOL)
Meant to say thank you for your kind words about my artwork. I’ll post some originals at some point!
Have a great weekend!
July 12, 2009 at 9:17 am
You’re absolutely right Carma. Age has a way of robbing the youthful plumpness from our faces, so generally putting on a few pounds as the years go by tends to make us look more youthful. Besides which, I’ve often found that those who are completely fanatical about diet and exercise often *look* so ferkin miserable … as though the joy has been taken from their lives (which I think it probably has).
July 12, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Love this post! I always say, I could go on a diet, reduce some calories or fat grams, but what’s the fun in that?! Fat is so much more fun and tasty, and you only live once, right?
I do occasionally eat healthy, but I’m not exactly “watching my weight”. I could never be on a super restricted diet. I love food too much!
Thanks for stopping by my blog! Have a great day!
July 13, 2009 at 5:00 am
Exactly. Contrary to what many people in our modern, western society think, food is one of the joys in life. It is not our enemy. I’d rather follow the principle of ‘everything in moderation’ than deny myself on of life’s great pleasures.