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We have the power to delay our aging process – from the inside out. Research continues to prove that people who exercise grow biologically younger. Senior exercisers can appear 30 years younger than their non-exercising peers.
THE ‘MAGIC PILL’ ISN’T A PILL AT ALL
Surprisingly, we can control even our genetic expression through exercise and diet when wisely balanced with rest, sleep and play. the best possible exercises turn out to be the ones we love doing, that fit into our schedule, and we can see ourselves doing for a lifetime, such as walking.
The medical community describes walking as “the magic pill” for its multiple benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic disease, activating the lymphatic system, eliminating toxins, fighting infection, strengthening immunity, delay8ing cognitive decline–and the list goes on. What’s better, all we need is to walk 15-20 minutes at a moderate pace three to six times per week.
My father exercised his whole life until he was struck by a car at age 70. The antibiotic he took saved his life, but destroyed his equilibrium. To prevent severe dizziness, he held his head very still. No tennis, no golf, no dancing. He lost his zest for life. His muscles began to wither and the gaunt look of death appeared in his face.
His decline affected everyone in our family. As a movement therapist, I dearly wanted to help. But how? One evening, after massaging his listless body, I said to him, “Dad, I’m sorry that your life is so hard right now. But you need to know that at the rate you are losing muscle mass, you’ll be too weak to raise yourself out of a chair or even walk. I understand if you choose to wind down this way, but remember, however you play this end game, you’re still a role model for your children and grandchildren.”
The next day, Dad shopped with my sister for an exercise bike. A few months later, he bought a treadmill. Not because he liked exercise. He hated exercise, but he loved life. You could say he walked his way back into life. He took the role of stewardship of his family seriously. He walked on the treadmill, lifted some light weights, and for the next 20 years, stayed active in family, social and civic life until his death at age 90. (Mom, an avid exerciser, lived to 99.)
When you make self-care truly important in your life, you become a positive role model for others. You create a living legacy that extends the gift forward. Research shows that parental lifespan is a predictor of a daughter living to 90 without chronic disease or disability. Results show a 25 percent increased likelihood of both longevity and health if mom lives to age 90, and a 38 percent increase if both parents do. Seen from this perspective, taking time for yourself seems less selfish than sensible.
Physical inactivity among our young people has reached crisis level worldwide. This fact underscores our important role as parents, grandparents and teachers. Likewise, the silver tsunami — the aging of Americans — threatens our health care system from the elder end of the age spectrum. Perhaps you feel, as I do, a responsibility to remain healthy for the benefit of yourself, your family and your country.
As women, we play a vital role weaving the fabric of our culture. And that takes balance and energy. It’s so easy to shortchange ourselves when too muchness shows up — too much work, too many tasks, too little time. We need to remind ourselves that it’s exercise, diet and rest that recharge our all-too-human battery.
What motivates you? Protecting your joie de vivre, or joy of life? Being able to walk? Maintaining your freedom and independence? Actively enjoying your children and grandchildren for years to come?
We all have past successes to call on; strategies we’ve used to deal with our changing lifestyle, changing body and changing world. And our friends share their best, for, as women, we are natural collaborators. Once you get clear on what motivates you, use the strength of your experiences. Anytime I need to bolster my confidence, I remind myself I’ve overcome years of backaches and can now dance in high heels.
It’s empowering to remember that through our personal dedication to active aging, we directly and indirectly contribute to the health and well-being of others.
…this article, Longevity is Low Tech, is published in eBella Magazine. View it here.
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