Living to 100
One of my ambitions is to get the Queen’s telegram. (UK nationals get a “Happy Birthday” telegram from the Queen, when reaching 100 years of age).
My favourite hobbies are; reading, music and drinking beer. Apparently one of those hobbies isn’t quite as healthy as the others. 
In the UK our government recommends drinking no more than 21 ‘units’ of alcohol per week for men – that’s only 10 and a half pints of beer. 
I’m sorry Mr Government Man but that’s not enough for me, I drink on average double that amount.
According to the UK government it’s unlikely I will get the Queen’s telegram, because of my unhealthy drinking. However, I beg to differ. I still intend to get that birthday telegram, and this is why I think I will:
My readers may realise that I have a vested interest in this topic 
, so I will now quote two independent sources:
The Book ‘ How to Live to 90′ by Dr James Le Fanu, writing about the 21 units of alcohol per week - “It must be stressed that there is no serious scientific basis for these recommendations, which over the years have always been revised downwards. There seems little doubt that people can double this intake with no obvious untoward effect.” (Page 13)
Ian Gooding writing to the Guardian (UK national newspaper); “I am a gastroenterologist and see people with alcohol-related disease every working day. I am certain from my experience that the bulk of alcohol-induced disease is caused by spirits and strong cheap lagers consumed at home.”
I rest my case – Real Ale is good for you.
Marathon Runner, Drinker and Artist, Blogging for Pleasure and Profit.
Hi John,
Good post mate, you write -
My favourite hobbies are; reading, music and drinking beer. Apparently one of those hobbies isn’t quite as healthy as the others.
I can only think it must be reading as it may strain the eyes or perhaps loud music ruining the eardrums!
The ‘experts’ change their mind every other day regarding what’s good and what’s bad for us so I don’t believe anything they say any more.
My doctor once asked me “do you drink much”, I replied “it depends what you mean by much”. He said “do you drink more than your doctor”
So I added up the units for a week, then halved them and told him the number, he nearly fell off his chair with shock.
A drinking pal of mine was told to stop or it would kill him with sclerosis of the liver. The next time I saw him I asked him how is liver was, he replied “lovely with chips”.
That’s a good point about spirits though John, and it makes sense as all the ones to go early were mainly spirit drinkers – must hide the gin!
Regards,
Bill
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John McNally
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June 10th, 2010 at 5:05 am
You’re right about the dangers of reading and music Bill.
I have had laser eye surgery, but still need reading glasses, computer glasses and driving glasses. 
The good thing about laser surgery though is that I can now read the alcoholic strength of different beers on the hand pumps. I’m the most powerful man in the pub with that skill. 
John
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Hey John,
You really want to live to 100?
I am honestly not sure I do!
I love a beer and a vodka, too often, so it’s not looking likely I will be getting my telegram from the Queen.
Sally
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John McNally
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June 10th, 2010 at 5:10 am
Yep, I really want to live to 100 Sally. I reckon I will be fit and active into my 80′s, and only start to slow down in my 90′s. I hope to hang around long enough to get that telegram framed onto my wall.
Drinking is good for you anyway,
tea totalers die at a faster rate than moderate drinkers. The only dispute is over what constitutes ‘moderate’.
John
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Finally a smart blogger…I love how you’re thinking and writing!
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John McNally
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June 29th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Thanks David. Keep visiting, there’s more to come.
John
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Your blog is so informative ¡ keep up the good work!!!!
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John McNally
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June 29th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
I’ll do my best Jeromy.
John
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Very helpful. Thank you for sharing
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John McNally
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June 29th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
No problem, I hope you call back again.
John
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You wouldn’t believe it but I’ve wasted all day digging for some articles about this. You’re a lifesaver, it was an excellent read and has helped me out no end. Cheers,
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John McNally
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June 29th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
I’m glad you enjoyed it Gary.
John
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I’ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
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John McNally
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June 29th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Glad you liked it. I’m a big believer in regular prostate checks. I have a PSA blood test every year.
John
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Hmmm…very good to know, there were certainly a couple of points that I hadn’t thought of before.
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John McNally
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June 29th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Glad you found it useful Jake.
I hope you visit again soon.
John
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Nice blog , i will bookmark it right now !
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John McNally
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July 2nd, 2010 at 5:22 am
Thanks Selina, call back anytime.
John
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John McNally
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July 15th, 2010 at 8:18 am
I left your link in Andrew because I ALSO found my girlfriend through Internet Dating.
John
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i have heard that wine is actually good for you in a small amount every week or so? maybe change some of your beer habits with a little wine… maybe it will counteract it haha
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John McNally
Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 6:38 am
I like your thought process.
I daren’t start drinking wine, because I would probably like it and then have trouble with the “small amount every week”. 
All that would happen is that I would drink the same amount of beer in pubs, and then drink wine at home. My liver wouldn’t be too happy about that. 
Thanks for the idea though, if you can find another solution that also involves alcohol I would be interested.
John
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