I adopted a paleo way of eating circa 2011. One of the arguments against it that I heard often was that our Paleolithic ancestors didn't have long lifespans. In other words, "eat the junk because it doesn't matter." I've relaxed my way of eating a bit since 2011, but I still avoid most junk the majority of the time.
For me, it's more about health span than life span. Sure, we can live until we're 100 thanks to a lot of modern medical advancements. But for a lot of people, that means living in wheelchairs, using walkers, being confined to retirement homes at the mercy of others, and so on. That doesn't seem like a fun way to go. I'd much rather live healthier for a longer period of time than be confined to a wheelchair and doped up on pharmaceuticals for the last three decades of my life.
Our Paleolithic ancestors may not have had long lifespans, but the majority of them were living fully functional lives all the way up until death. They were practically free of modern diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Isn't that what you want for yourself? If so, check out the infographic below that showcases a how-to guide for living better + longer.
Thank you to the LifeWellness Institute for creating this and allowing me to share it.