Jim Fix did outlive his dad by a good number of years as I remember. It was apparently a bad genetic issue and he should have been on medication if one existed in those days. As far as Indian culture is concerned, normally cultures evolve to suit the environment and necessities of life of a particular region as well as the inhabitant's genetic temperament that's evolved over thousands of years.
The only problem I have with other cultures is that many don't have the correct attributes for the rule of law and the associated type of economic system to raise the majority of their populations out of poverty. Examples include India, China and Mexico. I've wanted to travel to the back-country of Mexico for decades, but wont go because of their so-called legal system has no due process. Of course now there's the open drug warfare.
By the way, the urine thing is among the intellectuals and is perfectly safe as the stuff is germ free if one is mostly healthy. I wouldn't do it, but there are many things American they wouldn't do either.
My comment was geared to the fact that many people view things from the more mystical (to us) cultures as emanating from some higher form of wisdom and therefore should be followed. Soy and Yoga are on the top of my list fitting that description. There's no scientific basis for either, therefore, I have no desire to do either as I have other more productive options for my time and diet.
I have a personal baseline which evolvs as I filter through more information. There are several standard baselines promoted by the "experts" in various areas like nutrition, cardio health etc. Unfortunately, these baselines are tainted by poor science and the conflicts of interests due to the large amount of money to be made. And that includes the famous but erronious if not fraudulent attempts of the FDA with their numerous food pyramids.
Al