What’s the secret to aging gracefully?
In July we went to Florida to celebrate the 89th (or 90th) birthday of my father-in-law. I think his family thought it was his 90th birthday, but he claimed it was his 89th, but regardless, it’s a long time to live. And he’s the coolest, healthiest 89-year old that I know, someone that I admire and want to learn from. How many elderly people do you know, and what is their state of health? I’m not sure if he has any secrets, but he does say the one big thing that has kept him going…. is exercise. The man still lives alone, drives a car, still works a bit, drinks a beer every now and then, and goes to the gym every day. He swims in the ocean, he lifts weights, and he runs 2 miles several times a week. He states that exercise is what keeps him going. He’s fit, he’s not overweight, and he’s in better shape than people 20 years younger than him. His bad knees are slowing him down, and he tells me that he’s really bummed out that he can’t do speed work on the track anymore. I love that! And he’s so serious when he says it! He’s bummed out that he can’t go and run intervals (this coming from a man who use to run sub 6-minute miles, winning his age group in 5k’s and 10k’s on a regular basis).
His key is exercise, and I certainly agree with him. I have spent time in nursing homes, where residents are in wheelchairs, unable to get around, on numerous medications. That is not how I want to live my final years, I would like to be like Pop, staying active and moving. He is not overweight, which is also very key. How many overweight/obese 89-year old people do you know? A vast majority of time, excess weight brings disease and illness, and thus many medications. That is not health.
I wish I could add that chiropractic care is keeping him going, and even though he has two sons that are chiropractors, he does not get adjusted regularly. And I wonder how much more would help him?
So as you age, please keep on moving. If you don’t exercise now, add it into your daily life, as it’s easier to keep that habit rather than trying to add it as you get older. Keep your weight down. Don’t be overweight. Eat healthy. Get adjusted. Get plenty of sleep. It’s not that hard. Those are simple things, yet we try to make things complicated and we make excuses. Realize that you only have one body and you have to take care of it the rest of your life. I know I would like to be an active 89-year old, not one confined to a nursing home.
It’s your life. Make decision wisely and aim for life long happiness.
Dr. Pam
