We are surrounded by so many calls to stay healthy and young. Ads from every source bombard us constantly- the latest age-defying skin regimen, the can’t-fail joint care supplement, the best vitamin boost for brain health. In this world, according to advertising anyway, health issues, old age- and eventual death- are not options. People have an intense desire to live well and longer- or maybe even forever. Just take a look at the controversial cryonics industry. To date, there are at least 500 people throughout the world- 300 in the US alone- who have died but had themselves cryonically frozen and preserved- to be resurrected at some later date. So it is obvious that living a long life (or forever life?) is on many people’s minds. And they badly want to know how to achieve it. But maybe the real key to long life could actually be found in… Yakkity Yak teeth.
All those long-life studies analyze factors that seem to lead to long life. Is a certain type of diet the key to long life? Do healthy lifestyle choices provide the big difference to longer-living? Maybe those who live very long lives simply have good genetics? Or do centenarians who reach 100 years or older just have purposeful lives, with engagement in fulfilling activities? Maybe it is strong social relationships that contribute to longer life?
While it’s likely a resounding “yes” to all of these life-promoting factors, there is another contributor to long life not usually explored. This is where the wind-up Yakkity Yak Teeth come in. How about CREATIVITY also being an elixir for a long life?
“I inherited some good genes…but I really think being creative helps. It stimulates your brain and I think that helps your body.” (Eddy Goldfarb)
There’s this centenarian gentleman named Eddy Goldfarb that has all those other positive long-life factors at work in his life, such as good genetics, positive outlook, and solid family and friend relationships. But he has more- he has a strong creativity factor at work too. Goldfarb is an American toy inventor.
His most famous toy is the amusing Yakkity Yak Teeth that everyone happily wound up and played with at least once in their childhood. Goldfarb looked at dentures, and saw a chattering gag gift. His plastic bubble shooting gun was another huge hit (though at first it was refused by every major toy manufacturer). He’s also the inventor of countless other toys and games- 800 to be exact- along with 300 patents to his name (one of them obtained in 2001 when he was 80). Eddy’s proud of his toy industry, calling it a “noble industry” that introduces imagination, social skills and STEM concepts to children, while they bond with family or friends. Additionally Goldfarb credits creativity in his life as stimulating his brain and helping his health, his body, and his lifespan.
But everyone does not have to be a toy inventor like Eddy to let creativity work its magic in their life. Creativity can flourish when you step away from the TV, the phone, and social media- distractions that can dominate your downtime. Instead, allow yourself the time to daydream and make observations of life around you. (People whose livelihood depends on creativity know all about this. One writer explains, “When I look out the window, I AM working…!”)
Connecting with nature in some form is a proven way to improve your creativity too. This link between nature and creativity has been demonstrated in a number of studies. Scientists measured improved cognitive abilities/higher creativity in young people who backpacked for several days. So that visit to the garden or walk in the park are needful in helping your creative juices.
Scientists say that listening to familiar music (not necessarily classical unless you are a fan) can stimulate your thinking processes too. Reading a favorite book or magazine can regenerate creativity in you. Above all these, a good mood is actually the greatest promoter of the parts of your brain with creative impulses. So do all those things that improve and maintain your mood as a way to heighten your creativity.
Together all these factors will let creativity flourish in your life. Just like centenarian Eddy Goldfarb, creativity can ultimately contribute to desired longevity. At the very least it will fill your life with stimulation and interest. Let Yakkity Yak creativity work its magic in your life.
Goldfarb the toy inventor is a mere 102 years old now. He continues writing and inventing, crafting items by hand in his workshop, or with his 3D printer. And Goldfarb optimistically wants to beat the record of a female resident in his retirement community that lived to be 107. When asked if he thought he’d beat the record, he replied, “Oh, without a doubt.”
May it be so, Eddy Goldfarb. We all need your Yakkity Yak creativity for as long as possible. We all need our own creativity as well.
