A feature of each of these bimonthly columns is the remembrance of classmates who have passed on. Ever wonder about our longevity and its multifactorial causes? Interestingly, the present-day geographical distribution of our class reveals an association with longevity with many of us having gravitated to the New England states with the highest values. A recent study on the state-by-state variability of longevity showed that Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire were among the top eight. Further, the study pointed out patterns of increased physical activity as well as greater adoption of healthy lifestyles among residents in these states relative to others. The states with the worst longevity were Alabama, Mississippi, and West Virginia, and their healthy lifestyle rankings were also at the bottom. The difference between the best and worst states was 7.9 years of life. So, if you need a friendly boost to be more active and think positively, maybe these jottings will help.

As we enjoy our octogenarian years, it may be worth remembering that when we were born (1942, plus or minus) the average life expectancy in the United States was about 67 years. Clearly many changes in healthcare have increased these stats; in New Hampshire and Massachusetts the figure is now 79 years, with Vermont at 78.8. Closer to our present circumstance, we checked the actuarial lifetables and found the life expectancy for an 81-year-old male is 7.3 additional years. We carry on!

Returning to where we started, we remember recent passings, including classmates William I. Martin of Grantham, New Hampshire; Terrence “Terry” McCoy of Kentucky; and Thomas A. Good of Hudson, Ohio. Best regards.

—Ray Neff, 3685 Fairway Dr., Norton Shores, MI 49441-7016; (616) 551-8595; rkneff@gmail.com; Robert C. Goodman Jr., Kaufman & Canoles, P.C., 2101 Parks Ave., Suite 700, Virginia Beach, VA 23451; (757) 624-3238; rcgoodman@kaufcan.com