I know men in their eighties who still get about well. Conversely, I know men and women much younger - even in their sixties - who seem near death. Women still outlive men in the US, but I think the gap is closing on that.

It seems that most of those who live to be very old continue to have relative good health. I am convinced of a couple of things about my generation, the baby boomers. Now that we have begun to turn 60, we are obsessed with age, and looking young. If we are anything, we are vain. I say we, hoping I can avoid this BS as much as possible.

I don’t buy into this “Stay young forever…” thing. I am convinced that genetics is the primary factor with longevity. Obviously, we can hasten death with out McDonald’s diet and proclivity toward a sedentary lifestyle.

Personally, I do not fear death. I do fear a prolonged life with a horrible disease. The very best nursing homes here are nothing more than a place to go and wait to die. God help me that I might die a quick death. I’ve seen far too many relatives die over a period of years, horrendously sick, with no dignity left.

I put the question about living to be 100 to see how many people believe this story. I think chance is against it. Insurance companies make a lot of money with odds that you won’t live that long, yet the fashion is to sell people in the idea that you can. Diet and exercise may make your life better, but there is no hard evidence it will prolong life.

I believe the best education possible is learning to learn, and that requires questioning. I feel so fortunate that my father, and my teachers throughout all my schooling, emphasized ‘think for yourself’ it became a way of life.

In answer to your questions:

Are you afraid of a cop who you believe has overstepped his authority? It depends on how aggressive the cop is. If I felt it wasn’t wise to confront him I might take his number and report him later. Also, sometimes it’s advisable to be diplomatic to prevent them from finding further reasons to give you hassle.

Have you examined your religious beliefs, or do you believe what your parents taught you?
I’ve often marvelled at the successful ‘universal brainwashing’ of religion. Previous generations were raised not to question authority at all and so religion became an accepted truth. I find it hard to imagine how I could have been so religious as a child and teenager. I’d call myself an agnostic bordering on atheist nowadays.

Is your doctor “always right?”
Absolutely not, but she does offer good advice most of the time. I had to argue for weeks with my GP in England who was treating me for ulcers when I was convinced it was a case of hiatus hernia. Eventually he agreed to tests and I was proved right.

Would you question your supervisor?
As a teacher I did have occasion to question the headteacher at times but it had to be done politely.

Do you believe if you exercise and eat the right foods you can live to be 100 years old?
Don’t know - or care - about 100, but I think a sensible diet and exercise are a good idea.

Should critical thinking be a part of any school curriculum? I suppose the French have the right idea by including philosophy as a compulsory subject. In England the curriculum is overloaded so if they added critical thinking it would probably be done badly. If it could be managed successfully I think it’s a great idea.