Thread: Little things mean a lot healthwise.

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

As I'm coming up on 47, I'm doing/increasing several things that I think may keep me from falling apart for a few more years:

-Working out (weights/cardio/stretching) 4 times a week at the YMCA with my teenage sons. The post-workout whirlpool/steam-room/hot shower may be the best mental health stress relief I have ever known (just as important as the physical IMO).
-Hiking/rock-hopping with a fly-rod on remote mountain streams every chance I get; again, it's my both my therapy couch and my 'spiritual time,' and does wonders for my outlook on the world.
-I've been making and drinking daily a sort of general tonic/recovery drink with green tea, local honey (beekeeper friend), a handful of mint, and maybe half a lime. Lots of antioxidants and vitamin C to keep older cells in good condition!
-I take a really good, men's specific multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.
-My wife and I have a combination fruit smoothie/protein shake most every morning for breakfast: lots of frozen fruits, plus whatever's in season locally.
-Lots of superfoods, dark fruits and berries, whole grains, and have upped the protein and cut back on carbs and fat considerably since I started doing all this. My goal is to see my "abs" (if I have any to see?) and add lean muscle everywhere else by my birthday on July 28th.

Oh, and I shave with a straight razor!

P.S.: I like pizza, barbecue, frosty mugs of beer, the sofa/tv/remote, and big greasy burgers as much as anybody. Believe me, I still do all that, but with much less guilt now. YMMV-Aaron

Your still a young whippersnapper. It's after you hit 50 that your body starts playing serious tricks on you and at 60 the real fun begins. I can't imagine what happens after 70.

If you have the right genes nothing you do is gonna harm you. You could smoke 5 packs of cigs a day and drink a fifth of gin every day and you'll still live to be a very old man. If you have the wrong genes nothing you do is gonna help you. For those in-between living a modest lifestyle and keeping your fingers crossed is the best you can do.

I had a friend who got the Harley bug when he was in his 50s and bragged about never wearing a helmet. he used to say, it don't matter when the big man calls your number is up. I used to say maybe so but you don't have to sneak in front of the line. he got T boned in Tuscon by a pickup and is dead now.

I practice traditional Japanese MA 2 or 3 times per week. I decided 4 years ago that if I was ever going to pick it up again, it would be then or never. It was hard coming back after years of no work-out but now I am in better shape than many guys a decade younger. I know I need physical workout to stay healthy so my plan is to stick with it, even when there are times I may be less motivated. In traditional JMA there is a saying: train like you are an old man, and you will still be able to train when you are an old man. In other words, train smart.

Aside from that I limit the amount of sugars and easy carbohydrates. And I drink as little alcohol as possible. The occasional scotch or brandy, but I take care these days not let let alcohol be a regular habit. And stay away from having processed food on a regular basis. I eat the occasional Big Mac, but usually we cook and season everything ourselves.

I am with you OldGI! Everything in moderation. I turned 51 last week, if this is any indication og how things are gonna be, old age ain't for chickens.

I think genetics has a lot to do with longevity. My father died at 51 of a massive heart attack. He was overweight and drank too much beer and his triglycerides were sky high, but that's how things were for his generation. My oldest brother hasn't had any red meat for years. Exercises regularly, runs in marathons and stuff. He noticed he was short of breath on the treadmill, got tested and they put a stint in him...he was 51. I eat whatever garbage comes along, but in moderation, blood pressure and triglycerides are good, exercise a little, but work hard physically. And all my stuff is good so far. Guess you never know, but I am trying to stay at the end of the line...

I think a big part of the problem is the false expectation that we can (and even should) feel like we're 25 years old for our entire life. Truth is that like almost any machine, we eventually start to show our age. Lots of things factor in to how much and how soon that will start to happen (genetics, personal habits, life style, personality, etc.) but at the end of the day, age and mileage seems to catch up to all of us. I use to sweat things like getting old, being bald, etc. Ultimately though, I figured out that considering the alternative, getting old may not be a bad thing and all of those things that go along with aging are going to happen whether we want them to or not so why stress about it? That said, I must admit that some of the things that come with really advanced age (i.e. mobility issues, not so sharp mentally, unable to take care of oneself) do sometimes worry me but probably are not really valid concerns for at least another 25-30 years.

I'm 62 now. I spent some time, like a few decades doing a lot of exercise. Karate, competitive cycling, triathlons, etc. That gave me a good head start for the 50s-60s. One needs to be wise in not overdoing things as one gets older but one has to work on those things that you want to conserve until you check out of this life. Strength, flexibility and aerobic/cardio. Since I now have a busy schedule which rations my time I try to do some 30min workouts, one concentrates on stretching & yoga, one with dumbells for strength and I either run or do a 30min aerobic on stationary bike or a rebounder (a small trampoline, great workouts). There is very good advice in earlier posts. Like water, drink lots of it. Get good sleep. Tea and tisanes (check out the forum about teas, good stuff there). If you drink alcohol, a little and drink quality stuff. And of course keep a sense of humor. I've seen people in their 80s in pretty good shape and I want to be like them when I grow up.

stress plays a big part in your health so keep it low and exercise helps with physical and mental health i like calisthenics like push up's and pilates anything that get your heart rate going alittle.