Who wants to live forever? So sang Freddie Mercury, front man for British rock group Queen. Sadly, the flamboyant Mercury didn't come close to achieving physical immortality, dying in 1991 at the age of 45.

Still, a growing anti-ageing movement believes the Baby-Boom generation will live longer than any generation before it. The vanguard is the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (AAAAM), founded in 1993. Co-founder Ronald Klatz, a sports medicine doctor, once told the academy's annual conference "we are on the verge of practical immortality, with life spans in excess of a hundred years.

He received a standing ovation when he boldly predicted genetic research on stem cells and cloning "will take us to 120 and beyond. Soon, we will be the Ageless Society."

While arguably over the top, such optimism is consistent with the Boomers' ever-present desire for youth and health. They eat better, exercise more and hope to benefit from furthur scientific breakthroughs.

Last year, National Geographic began a survey on longevity with the teaser: "What if I said you could add 10 years to your life?" It cited findings from the U.S. National Institute on Aging, which found people live longer in certain parts of the world.

Sardinia? Men there engage in physical occupations such as dairy farming and sheep herding, while their wives handle the housework and family finances. Hardy genetics is another factor, as is a diet loaded with fruit, vegetables and wine that may help to fend off cardiovascular disease.

The oldest American is Elizabeth Bolden, 116. The Gerontology Research Group estimates 450 people in the world are 110 or older, 60 to 75 of them in the U.S.

Canada has 4,000 centenarians, 3,400 of whom are women, according to the government of Canada's chief actuary, Jean-Claude Menard. Four Canadians have reached 110. The oldest is Quebec's Judy Bertrand, who turned 115 this month.

Menard is projecting an increase in life expectancy of three years for Canadians of either sex who reach 65. So, while a male now 65 can expect to live 18 more years, by 2075, a 65-year old can expect to live 21 more years. The life expectancy for 65-year-old women today is 21 more years, which will rise to 24.

In February, the government released a study that found a correlation between wealth and longevity. Using data from statistics on recipients of the Guaranteed Income Supplement and more affluent retirees who suffered "clawbacks" of Old Age Security benefits, it found affluent male retirees had 4 1/2 years longer life expectancy. The difference was only 3 1/2 years for affluent females.

Another curious finding was that Canadian immigrants at age 65 have one more year of life expectancy than those born in Canada. Menard attributes this to the fact immigrants are likely stronger to begin with, since they have passed certain screens to be admitted to the country.

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