#52Ancestors: Week 16 – Pittman Family Longevity – Medical History Clues

This is week 16 of the 2015 #52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge where a group of u52ancestors-2015 Images blog about a different ancestor for each week of the year.  To learn more about the 52 Ancestor Challenge visit Amy Johnson’s site at Amy’s website.

This week’s theme inspiration from the 52 Ancestor Challenge is “Live Long” applies to ancestors who lived to 100.   The only centenarian in the tree that I know of, is the mother-in-law of a great half uncle.  Mildred Doty McGrath (1899-2006) lived to be 106 years old and sharp as tack.  I do have several ancestors who did “live long“.  In the 2014 Edition of the challenge, I wrote about my 2nd great grandfather, John Thomas Pittman, who lived to age 93.

Currently, there are two living family members who are in their early 90’s.  One is a grandson of John Thomas Pittman.  The other is on my Polish side.  Each of these individuals knew my great grandparents. I have spoken to both to glean some stories from the past.

Pittman Longevity

John’s daughter, my great grandmother Mable Pittman, lived to the age of 83.  My grandmother Olive, lived to be 86. Where there any other Pittman’s who lived into their late 80’s or 90’s?

Yes, two of John’s younger brothers. Brother, William S. Pittman (1878-1963) was octogenarian, passing away at age 85.  Also a nonagenarian, was his brother James Alexander Pittman, lived to be 90.  James was the only brother who never married.

John was married twice.  Of the four children from the second marriage, his daughter Tena, lived to 84.  Mable’s sister, Kit (Mary Katherine Pittman Jackson) lived to be 77.  Two of her children lived into their early 80’s.

Pittman Family Longevity and Medical History

Am I going to get Alzheimer’s, some other health condition? Maybe, maybe not!  Depends on all of the genetic DNA mix that created me, along with environmental agents and health lifestyles.  I am acutely aware of the medical conditions in my maternal line.  There is a pattern that occurs in John, Mable, Olive and her siblings, and my mother’s siblings. My health report from the DNA test I took at 23andMe, states there is a probability that I may get this or that.  Nothing is conclusive.

I am anticipating that I will make to 85 years of age.  That is the age I am using to make sure there is enough money the retirement nest egg.  Spend less, save more is my motto.  I buy life experiences that some of my family members don’t understand as they pile useless junk in the garage.  Saving a little more now to use later is actually prudent for me. Plus, if/when the time comes for me to move into a nursing home, I hoped the savings will cover a great facility.

Now I just need to pick the right niece or nephew who will put me in a great place and not use the money to buy things.

After all, only time will tell.

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