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Recipe for a long life

We all know that living long is not that simple. In fact, a long healthy life is no accident. It begins with good genes, but also depends on our habits. Most of us look forward to a long healthy life. Even though health risks increase with age, no one is predestined to age related complications, like loss of independence, disability or chronic diseases. I have seen my grandpa living a fit and healthy life (sadly, he passed away last year at 96) without ever complaining about the environment around him. He would get up early in the morning and go for cycling in his farms, had his meals at right intervals and even read papers and solved puzzles daily. I think his healthy behaviour controlled the effects of many leading causes of death. As it’s said, if you adopt right lifestyle, chances are you may live up to a decade longer. Participating in regular physical activity helps improve sleep, which in turn makes one feel happier and more productive during the day and improves overall wellness. Even reading newspapers and solving brain teasers keeps one mentally, physically and socially active. Kudos to TSI for bringing out an exceptionally well issue on "100 and Loving It" (June 22-28).

J Vijay Krishna

Chennai A billion aspirations

Arindam’s editorial “From the success of Slumdog...”(TSI, June 22-28) makes a unique point with regard to foreign reaction to India’s growth. Whereas earlier, the balance of power had been in Western hands and they never missed an opportunity to stamp their authority on our peace-loving nation, the status quo has changed now. Although they have always adopted a protectionist policy towards their job and consumer markets, but now they realise that without our markets their companies might start pulling down their shutters. It's deplorable that the Australian government claims that these cases are random acts of violence when the least it owes to the Indian student community is acknowledging the threat and providing better security.

Sayan Chakrabarty

Kolkata Fake drugs

Prasoon’s column "Kill Pill" (TSI, June 22-28) hit the nail on Indian authorities who are shouting about Indian brand equity being badly affected in the global supply chain and urging China to take strong action against Chinese pharma manufacturers who are exporting fake drugs under “Made in India” label. Ironically, as per an OECD report, 75 per cent of fake drugs supplied world over have some origins in India. Doesn’t this affect the brand India? At domestic front the problem of fake and poor quality drugs is quite rampant and a big threat. Seizures and confiscation of fake drugs is a weekly news. These, shockingly, constitute only a small fraction of the real extent of the illegal activities, to which our ministries have shut their eyes. Monitoring and control over pharmaceuticals ought to be much more stringent since it concerns the health of the citizens and the harm that spurious drugs can cause is far more serious than that caused by any other consumable good.

Bhavana Khant

Amravati