Abstract Individual lifestyles bear directly on the length and quality of life. The habits and attitudes which reflect personal lifestyle are examined in terms of their life-threatening potential. Several important attitudes and behaviors are discussed in relation to survival, including: cultural expectations and “machismo,” a holistic perspective, physical exercise, motivation, paying attention, and cynicism. Nutrition behavior is used to illustrate how cultural and personal attitudes affect life chances. A distinction between realistic risk-taking activities and reckless danger is called for to prevent accidental death. A program of self-watching is encouraged in order to modify deleterious habits.
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