It is a `distraction' that stops humans living to their `full potential', claims scientist
Humans could reach 150 if they gave up sex, says professor Alex Zhavo ronkov , director of a UK think-tank called the Biogerontology Research Foundation. In a new book, The Ageless Generation, he states that a life without intercourse will enable us to live “far, far longer.“ “I have sex occasionally , but not on a permanent basis and usually with fellow scientists,“ said the 36-year-old professor. “Because otherwise, and I'm very sorry for saying it, post-coital interactions can be quite boring.“
Zhavoronkov warns of the “energy-sapping distractions“ that come in the form of marriage, kids and material possessions. “Delaying marriage and reproduction is a by-product of shifting your life expectancy horizons,“ he said.
He recommends instead that we exercise regularly , including sit-ups and press-ups and concentrate on eating less. Zhavoronkov himself says he only consumes between 1,600 and 1,700 calories a day -mostly from fruit, yoghurt and protein bars.
The World Health Organisation proclaimed last week that we could soon be living in a world where living to 100 is normal. Dr Margaret Chan, director-general of the WHO said, “ At a time of unpredictable challenges for health, one trend is certain: the ageing of populations is rapidly accelerating worldwide. Most people can expect to live into their 60s and beyond. The consequences for health systems, their workforce and budgets are profound.“ A century ago, life expectancy in the UK was 48 for men and 56 for women. “Living to over 150 isn't unrealistic. I'm not planning on dying at all. You only need to have lived through the past 30 years to realise anything is possible,“ concludes Zhavoronkov .
