Growing old gracefully
As we age, how does one grow old gracefully and successfully?
How do we stay healthy and continue to enjoy an active life when our bodies and minds are often sending the signals that it is time to slow it down, to consider alternatives?
At first, we tend to fight these signs and perhaps think I am not there yet. Keeping active has a lot to do with successful aging. Slowing down at the right time can also play a key role and perhaps keep us from a serious injury when we try and push too hard.
Fortunately, it’s not about giving up, it is about realizing our bodies are changing and the challenges of youth may best be done in moderation.
One of the joys of my life was skiing, both downhill and, my favorite, cross country. I continued to downhill ski until I was 75 and only stopped cross country after heart issues at 79.
My doctor gave me good advice when I asked about resuming the cross country activities after my surgery and a rehab program. He asked me to picture myself after a fall with a broken hip or leg and the long recovery that would be needed; unable to swim, walk and ride my bike.
I took his advice and gave my cross country ski equipment away and concentrated on hikes, swimming and, my favorite activity, bike riding.
Funny how my friend Mother Nature co-operates, as the past two winters have seen very little snow and in November I was able to be out on the bike trail 11 days and December 10 days.
As the cold winter weather settles in I switch to daily walks, swimming and riding the bike machine at the Uniontown Y.
I reached my peak on the bike at age 75 when I had logged 4,024 miles. The aging process mentioned above has slowed me to just under 2,000 miles this year but I am still out there. In late October I completed 50,414 miles since I retired and took up the bike at age 60. This is more than two times the circumference of earth.
At this time of the year motivation to get out and exercise can be challenging. The cold and snow make it more difficult but if you pay attention to the weather and are flexible you can usually find time to go for a walk, hike or even a bike ride.
The worst part for me is all the extra clothing but once outside the fresh air can be a real joy. Coming back in afterwards for a warm tea can also earn you the joy of a cookie or a small piece of chocolate.
With the New Year approaching, we usually think about how our lives could be different if we were to modify our behavior. What about a walking program or a gym membership? Many insurance plans in an effort to keep us healthy include memberships to exercise facilities or a home video program.
Winter can be long and dreary if we let it. Why not include an active program that includes keeping our bodies and minds in good repair; one that will include participation, without a lot of risk of getting hurt or injured; one that will allow us to age and grow old gracefully?
Wishes for a year filled with lots of walks, hikes, bike rides and good health.