THE UK TEAM’S PRESENTATION Myths and Theories for a long and healthy life…

Exercise Theory Walking improves the condition of heart and lungs (cardiovascular fitness), and works the muscles of the lower body. It's a weight- bearing activity, so it may improve bone density, helping stop Osteoporosis, yet it's also low impact, putting less stress on the joints than some other forms of exercise Myth people who work in the field live a longer and better life than the other people who work sitting in the offices behind the desks.

SMOKING Theory Research has shown that smoking reduces life expectancy by seven to eight years. Of the 300 people who die every day in the UK as a result of smoking, many are comparatively young smokers. The number of people under the age of 70 who die from smoking-related diseases exceeds the total figure for deaths caused by breast cancer, AIDS, traffic accidents and drug addiction. Myth Some Romanians believe this because they have grandparents who smoke for 80 years and lived 100. We may have a good genetic but if we don't keep our body healthy we may be sure that we die sooner than our ancestors.

Care & Support from Friends & Family Theory Keep strong relationships. Maintaining close ties to your family and friends are crucial to healthy aging. Elderly people will need the support and love of family and friends to feel that they have help when they need it. Many old people die from neglect or illnesses that could be avoided with a close social or family circle. Myth This myth is based on happiness. Being happy and feeling good about yourself can often result in better life quality, but not necessarily longer life. If you are dying you can laugh all you want, this probably wont save you.