Somehow that label was not tattooed on us at birth. Perhaps it should have been. Certainly we need to hear and internalize this mantra early in life so we can best take advantage of our youth, enthusiasm, and health while we still have it.
Doing so, being active that is, plays a huge role in the quality of life we will enjoy (or not) as we age. It should come as no surprise that those who were ‘fit’ (note this does not mean olympic athlete) in their teens and twenties had a big advantage as they moved into their ‘adult / family / career’ years. If they were smart they remained active and have moved into senior and old age (who says we are old) with a fitness and mental acuity decades younger than the calendar suggests.
This doesn’t mean you missed the boat. At any age you can start an exercise program to regain some of your youthful self. No, it won’t be easy but the quality of live benefits along with newfound strength, energy, vitality, and mental sharpness will change your outlook on life. You may make some new friends along the way with your fitness programs.
It can be as easy as getting off the couch and walking more. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator (ok maybe one floor to start). Carrying books, the groceries anything that challenges and improves your grip strength and balance.
As I’ve written about before, I was blessed with parents who encouraged me to stay active. Pursue my passion for sports, outdoor recreation, fitness, along with keeping my brain engaged studying technology, energy, health, along with family and community activities to help me become a better person.
But don’t take my word for it. The study of longevity combined with quality of life is getting a lot of attention from the medical and scientific research communities. Perhaps due in part to the number of baby boomers hitting their 60’s and early 70’s with some like me ready to ride 3,000 miles and others unable to walk a mere 3,000 (or 300) steps in a day.
Hey, quick shout out to the medical research community I am here to help with your longterm studies. The RAAM2CC biometric data will be uploaded daily.
So, for your consideration may I suggest you look into the excellent work, books, seminars, podcasts, videos, even Ted Talks by these and other doctors who have been exploring the field of longevity. They each have some interesting insights and recommendations that in my opinion will reshape your life. And who knows, you may end up beating my total time to ride across America someday. 😃
Book: Outlive
Book: Forever Strong
Book: Super Agers
Further from Dr. Topol:
After doing further research, Topol came to a simple conclusion.
“Of all the things we know about, the one that rises to the very top is exercise. In fact, it’s the only intervention in people that has shown any effect on slowing the body-wide aging clock, meaning it appears to change how rapidly we age,” Topol told the Washington Post.
“Of course, other lifestyle factors, like diet and social interactions, are critically important. But if there is one thing that has the most exceptional evidence for healthy aging, it’s exercise.”
One final thought on staying fit/healthy. When you read or listen to the experts above there is plenty of meaningful data that suggests a longer, better quality of life can be had and the Four Horsemen of Death may be avoided. It doesn’t mean you or I won’t get a diagnosis we don’t like someday in the future. But it does mean we will have a better, more enjoyable life along the way.
RAAM2CC© 
Leave a comment