Building That Foundation for Aging

Last year I was doing a bicycle ride in the canyons, with a new friend of mine from Dallas and for the most part I was kicking his butt(no big deal just one of those days that everything was clicking). After we slowed down a bit he pulled up to me and ask me how old I was. When I said 69 he seem baffled and said that he was 38 and was having trouble staying with me. The next comment was fairly typical, "what is your secret to staying healthy, and fit?" My reply is a simple one, especially to someone who is 38, "you start preparing yourself NOW for the age of 69 and and beyond." If you wait until you are 60 to get healthy you may have waited too long. So, I get up this morning and the Lubbock AJ has this great article about "aging well requires building a healthy foundation." My exact words to my friend but this article gives a little more detail, so here goes(Note: if you see MG next to the suggestions, then that means I am offering some added suggestions):

1. Keep your brain active by staying engaged in life and learning something new. Try working Sudoku or learning a new language, or even playing video games, if that is not something you would normally do. MG-my efforts to this suggestion involve my blog sites, my new profession-Life Coaching, my new marketing gig with Honey Milk and my renewed drive to complete 17 triathlons this year with my goal of winning the 70-74 age group division in the Southwest Challenge Series of triathlons. I have found that venturing over into something new is very challenging and makes the brain do some extra work.

2. Stay on top of your mental health. Depression is a problem for many older adults. Know the symptoms and see your doctor if you experience significant changes in moods and habits. MG-good advice; however, be careful on the doctor advice since they really like to pump those pills in you for this problem. I have found that just changing my setting is the best remedy for getting down in the dumps. You can do that through reading a new book, going to a good movie or even a bad movie, change up the work outs a little bit, or call a long time friend you haven't seen in a while. The main thing is to engage in something a little different and it takes your mind away from what may have caused the depression. I have found that listening to the satellite radio POTUS(Politics of the USA) was getting me down, since it would mention all of the things wrong in the USA and most were things I could do nothing about. So, now I very seldom turn to that station and listen to country and western music instead.

3. Get regular physical check-ups. Men are more likely to neglect their health so if there is a significant man in your life, help him to remember to take care of himself. MG-we are responsible for ourselves so I say, take you own life in your hands and take care of it. Again, watch out for the doctor you use, sometimes they can be really negative to good health care.

4. Stay socially active, volunteer, call a friend, visit a neighbor. People who stay engaged in life are more likely to stay healthy--mentally and physically. MG-while I agree with this in principle I might add it is healthier to be around someone you enjoy and picking just any neighbor does not always work. Also, stay engaged with the positive things of life.

5. Find ways to ease tension in your life. Practice yoga, or Tai Chi, join an exercise group, forgive someone. MG--all good advice, just find a good outlet and stick with it.

6. Get some exercise, whether that means taking a walk, gardening, golfing or doing chair exercises. Regular exercise will energize your body in the long run and strengthen your body. MG--after reading this blog site for a while you know my take on exercise. Just find something you like to do that raises your heart rate for 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times per week. The heart is the most important muscle to exercise.

7. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and, if you tend to overeat, try to eat a little less. MG--also good advice but much easier said than done for some people. Always evaluate your diet and cut down on those things that happen to put the extra pounds on easier than others. You know what they are, so don't look at me with that surprised look!!

8. Feed your spirit as well as you body. As we age, purpose and meaning in life increase in importance. Spiritual development is an important aspect of overall health and enjoyment in later life. MG--sometimes the tone of these recommendations centered on already being old, not just establishing the foundation for healthy aging. This spiritual thing is very important but I think the best advice is to seek out a spiritual feeling of assurance more than anything. The closer you get to the time to pass on to the next life these thoughts come to you mind more than anything else. So as you prepare for aging, seeking out a spiritual assurance is very important to healthy aging, no matter how you find it.

Last but not least, ALWAYS, find enjoyment in the stage(or age) of life you are currently in. After all there is really nothing you can do about it, so why not enjoy it. At times I reflect back on my teen years, early adulthood, raising my children, building my business, and it makes me real happy to be 70 years of age and still staying very active in life and enjoying it. It also brings home the reality that you must prepare yourself for each stage of aging, then it will be a great time of your life.

mike greer