Never Say Die

Is living longer a good thing if you’re not living better? Popular culture has sold boomers on the notion that old age can be defied with exercise and diet. While a healthy life-style can promote good health, it cannot stop the ravages of age and disease.

See also: Aging gracefully in America’s youth oriented culture.

Inside E Street has a story of a near centenarian, Esther Tuttle, who is an example of how maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle helps contribute immensely to longevity.  But, is that a reality for most Americans in their '80s and '90s?  Lark McCarthy discusses with Susan Jacoby, author of Never Say Die: The Myth and Marketing of the New Old Age and Muriel Gillick, MD, Clinical Professor at Harvard Medical School, why some people live to a vigorous old age, and why many do not.  Also, what can be done to make life more fulfilling and comfortable for those in poor health?