When you get to be my age, 76, soon to be 77, you realize you have lived most of your life. Some of us start to think about our health and what we can do to extend our lives.
As for me, I started to think about my health and how it affects my life expectancy some time ago. September 2016, at 5’5″, I weighed 180 lbs. I struggled to climb stairs without getting winded. I had to purchase new clothes, as I went from a size 10 to a size 16.
The reason? I was stress eating after having experienced the last 4 years of an unhappy marriage. I put myself first and spent the next year saving money and looking for a place to live. Friends who were aware of the situation asked me if I was sure, and how I could leave my beautiful home and almost 26-year marriage. My answer was that a house is not a home.
I wasn’t happy and would come home from work, climb into my bed, and cry. A nurse I worked with, who had experienced the same situation, encouraged me to start living my life. I started coming home, fixing myself a meal, and sitting at the dining room table to eat.
I lived near a park and started to walk a half mile. I increased the distance to 2 miles in a month. I felt great; I started to lose weight, and walking in a wooded park improved my mental and physical health.
I also started to journal daily, eat healthier meals, and meditate. Living a healthier, active life is the way to live longer. Stay active; don’t vegetate in front of the TV all day. Don’t want to walk alone? Every mall has mall walkers. Get out and engage with other people who have the same goals.
Join committees and groups at your church and Community Centers. Silver Sneakers is a free program available to seniors through your Medicare Supplemental Program. It entails a free gym membership; you don’t have to lift weights, but start on the treadmill.
All you single people, get out and mingle! Couples establish a weekly date night. Keep on moving and grooving for as long as you can. When you no longer can, you will have sweet memories of when you could.
Until next time,
Peace, Love, and Blessings ❤️
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