As early as 1964, they sang “Time is on my side” – something that has proved to be quite good for the three members who are still in The Rolling Stones. All are, or approaching, 80 years old. But there is no obstacle. Because today they released a new record, and in a couple of months a new world tour will start. There is no hiding the fact that the musicians have lived hard lives. We’re talking heroin, cocaine, alcohol, smoke and a lot of partying. – When you read a bit about Keith Richards, it often says that he should have died many years ago. A calculation shows that he has smoked approximately 500,000 cigarettes during his life. This is according to Geir Selbæk, who is professor and head of research at the National Center for Aging and Health. But even though Jagger, Richards and Wood are well into their years, they bounce and jump around the stage like never before. How is this possible? The researcher thinks he knows the answer. Keith Richards turns 80 in December, Ron Wood is 76, while Mick Jagger has passed 80. Photo: AFP – Go up a steep hill and sing “Satisfaction” Geir Selbæk thinks what the three musicians do on stage is completely extreme. – It’s really fascinating when you know that Mick Jagger has passed the age of 80, and that Keith Richards turns 80 in December. It is not to be believed. You can try walking up a steep hill while singing “Satisfaction” – then you understand what this is all about. Selbæk is a fan himself, and has read up on the band. He says that Keith Richards is a good example of a man who has probably picked up on the risk factors for dying early. – He used a lot of heroin for many years. And regular cocaine until 2006. It is debated exactly how much it affects your health, but what is not debated is that alcohol affects your health negatively. And it is said that Richards drank one bottle of bourbon per day. It is quite a bit more than the one to two units that are recommended as a maximum limit, says the researcher. In addition, the guitarist’s favorite food is sausage and mashed potatoes. For the legend Mick Jagger, the story is a little different. Geir Selbæk is professor and head of research at the National Center for Aging and Health. Photo: Aleksandr Nedbaev A health freak According to Selbæk, Jagger is a health freak. Although there has been a bit of drugs in the picture, he has always been concerned about his health. For the past 20 years, Jagger must have been on a carefully planned diet. He has a personal trainer and does both yoga, pilates, boxing and jogging. – And it is perhaps not so strange, because Jagger’s father was a fairly well-known gym teacher. So he has grown up with the idea that it is important to take care of your health, says Selbæk. 6 to 8 weeks before the band goes on tour, Jagger starts training. The program must be both hard and varied. But what about Ron Wood? Selbæk doesn’t have much to say here: – He becomes a bit anonymous among the other two, actually. He is also a little more laid back on stage. But what is the secret of these rock boys? – What they do is important, says the head of research. The Rolling Stones at Hotell Viking in Oslo on 23 June 1965. Seated from left Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Standing from left: Bill Wyman and Brian Jones. Photo: CC BY-NC-ND / Arbeiderbevegelsen’s archive and library The Rolling Stones arrive in Oslo, via Fornebu airport, 23 June 1965. Brian Jones signs autographs, and Mick Jagger is on the right in the picture. Photo: CC BY-NC-ND / Arbeiderbevegelsen’s archive and library Mick Jagger and the rest of The Rolling Stones play at Sjølyst on 24 June 1965. Photo: CC BY-NC-ND / Arbeiderbevegelsen’s archive and library Important with meaning Selbæk explains that much has to do with luck and bad luck – more precisely your genes. But he says there is also another factor, which means a lot. And this is supported by research: – That what you do has a meaning. That one has a task in life, and that it makes you happy. Optimism about life helps to ensure that you live longer in good health. And there is perhaps something to think about from time to time – that if you experience meaning, it can in itself affect the aging process. The researcher points out that eating healthy, avoiding too much alcohol and staying away from smoke still apply. But still, it is important to bring out other perspectives. – You can have an illness, but still experience that you have a good old age. The positive perspective is important. The Rolling Stones are out with a new record, and will soon be touring around the world. Photo: Reuters Hear more about the health of the members of the Rolling Stones in P1+.
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The Rolling Stones released a new album – how do they manage to keep up the pressure at a mature age? – news Trøndelag – Local news, TV and radio
