In today’s “pressure cooker” world one’s natural lifespan continues to encounter a number of lethal obstacles, although longevity has considerably improved, despite the elevated level of violence stalking the planet.

Advanced life spans today are in the 90s and even in the hundreds that are regularly reported, but they are sadly eclipsed by the alarming number of young people who have left this “lonely little planet made of dust and dirt”. Worldwide violent deaths and those attributed to abuse of various harmful substances, along with world pandemic diseases, are on the rise, whether due to war and insurrections or failed anti-drug policies accompanied by invasive corruption in government and business circles. In retrospect, today there seem to be a lot more threats to one’s life than there are remedies to prolong it.

There is much talk about “freedom and equality”, two banners under which militants attempt to bend the stabilisng rules of society, to suit their subversive aims amounting to universal antipathy towards all forms of law and order. Much criticism has been directed at parents who neglect their responsibility to train their children by teaching them the fundamental rules of morality and attitudes conducive to controlled behaviour in a well-ordered society, in the name of “free expression”. The likely consequences are seen in the numerous fatal encounters in schools, physical violence against teachers, vandalism of school property, random sexual encounters leading to unwanted pregnancies and widespread involvement with various illegal substances, to name a few of the ills emanating from the laissez-faire attitude towards a structured upbringing.

The tumultuous state of the world has created another significant influence on lifestyles which must be given serious attention, and that is personal security. It is not an exaggeration to acknowledge that today we live in a state of perpetual alert against the sinister activities present in all societies, be they in developed or developing countries, that can be attributed to “excessive liberalism”. A prime example of this phenomenon was recently demonstrated by the appalling riots in London, and the reluctance of the security forces to respond for fear of being accused of overreacting to the outbreak of lawlessness. It should now be a necessity for children of all ages to become trained in self-defence that will stand them in good stead throughout their school years and beyond. This is particularly true for females who are the favourite targets for predators. Such training should start at the earliest age, at one of the reputable martial arts training schools called “dojos”.

Nearer home, let us consider some of the potentially dangerous non-violent practices in which you may participate that can be expected to shorten your life expectancy. Legally, you can consume unlimited amounts of alcohol that can be addictive and develop one of the many devastating illnesses associated with excessive drinking. Smoking cannabis or tobacco is equally addictive, caused by the psychoactive drug THC in ganja and nicotine in tobacco. Smoked marijuana has the destructive edge over tobacco as it contains about 30 times more carcinogens. The latest recreational drugs, ecstasy and “meth”, both artificially manufactured from chemicals, are also readily available. The side effects of these substances include violent mood swings and outbursts of uncontrollable anger that can cause serious cardiac complaints. For a more intensified flight of fantasy there are the more seriously addictive drugs including cocaine, crack, opium, heroin and “skunk”, and a fortified version of ganja. All of these can be embraced at the expense of one’s sanity and in too many cases, loss of life. Life has been greatly devalued in the contemporary world, and it makes little impact if you lose it.

All of the above seductive pleasure-giving substances are capable of inducing mental attitudes which can lead to violent disoriented behaviour that instigates physical abuse, rape and even murder. The recent beheadings in Jamaica indicate a stimulus beyond the usual adrenaline rush experienced in bouts of extreme anger, frustration, distress, anxiety and aggression. Regrettably, young adults are the most exposed to risky peer pressure that, through ignorance, encourages other teenagers to experiment with these harmful drugs as a “macho” gesture. The cry to decriminalise (legalise) these insidiously destructive drugs that impair a human being’s intellect and self-control, coming from those in an immature society hoping to graduate to developed country status by 2030, is astounding. The “equality and freedom” protagonists, who are prepared to risk severely reducing the life expectancy of what should be the most productive age group, need to think more responsibly about their aims.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires continuous attention to

self-discipline, diet and exercise that can lead to amazing results as demonstrated by Jamaica’s track team that earned great honour and pride for the nation and throughout the world at the Daegu World Championships. These are today’s role models that should be emulated by young adults with emphasis on the characteristic of self-discipline.

Ageing is preparation for that date with destiny that all of us must keep. However, it is a process to be enjoyed and cherished for as long as possible. Bob Monkhouse typifies this idea when he says: “I can still enjoy sex at 75. I live at 76, so it’s no distance.” After all, nobody wants to live forever and that’s a “wrap”!