My wife and I were talking about last week’s post on ways to energize elders toward using current technology more effectively, and she said something to the effect that “…of course we’re into it; we’re ‘techno-septuagenarians!’” It doesn’t really relate to this week’s topic, but I just had to share that comment!
One of the key issues elder Americans face is fitness…mental and physical fitness. I live among elder Americans, and have done so for the past six years. Most of the people in the 55+ community in which we live are active, involved, energetic people. They participate in Senior Olympics locally, they play tennis and golf, they engage in artistic pursuits, they read, they argue (boy, do they argue!) and otherwise keep engaged with each other and with life.
Some, however, have nearly shut down. I was in conversation with a friend a few months ago who said, “I quit learning when I quit working.” Ouch! I can’t imagine that guy has a healthy outlook on life. He has adopted the mantra that retirement from work means retirement from new ideas and new thoughts. I hope someone changes his mind! I wasn’t able to!
All of the reading I have done in recent years about the aging process indicates several things:
1. The more one keeps one’s mind active, the longer one is likely to have an active mind and life. Reading, learning new things (like new computer programs!), studying, working crosswords, Sudoku, keeping up with current events, and the like will help one keep fit mentally.
2. The more one keeps moving physically, the longer one will have the physical strength and agility to stave off decline. It doesn’t take a whole lot…it is estimated that about 30 minutes a day of walking will make a huge difference in one’s continued health and wellness.
3. Maintaining a healthy weight will lead to a healthy life.
These are not rocket science. They are common sense principles. Too many of us ignore them, and other guidelines we learn from the medical community.
I am working on taking my own advice! I am on a weight loss program which has resulted in a 23 pound weight loss over the past 3 1/2 months, a reduction in my BMI (Body Mass Index) from 31.5 (which is in the obese category) to 28 (in the overweight category). It has also resulted in more energy, less exhaustion, and a brighter outlook on life.
We are in the process of moving to a condo from our RV park, and once we get moved, I will join a health club near the condo and begin a new exercise program to continue my own quest for a long and healthy life.
Keeping fit…it is one’s own responsibility to take that seriously and do something about it. At this point in my life, I wish I had taken this advice much earlier. I didn’t. However, I am doing so now, and am grateful that I still am able to do so.
Until next week, keep fit, keep thinking, and keep a positive mental attitude!
David,
I agree with wishing I had taken the good advice many years ago, but never to late to smarten up, huh ?
Only Susan would say “techno-septuagenarian”.
I love it !
Hi Diana:
Yes, like the old Pennsylvania Dutchman said, “Ve get too soon olt, unt too late schmardt!”
Thanks for your comments.
David
BTW…I have tried to stay fit intellectually. I read years ago that research showed a much lower Alzheimer’s incidence in those who read a lot (and I always have..about a book a week), played mind & word games and continually learned new things.
Guess it keeps the brain on it figurative toes
Enjoyed learning as a child and have not lost my love for that. Can’t imagine those who decide to “quit learning “. How boring and stifling an existence that would be !