Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Learn to live smarter...

What does this mean?

Well, for the same reasons that we want to 'work smart' in our jobs so we can accomplish more with less stress and effort,  we also want to live our lives with a smarter approach toward our health and well being. Surprisingly, Americans who reach age 50, in general arrive at this point in poorer health than many of their counter parts in other high-income countries.

Why is that?

Mainly because of the chronic diseases that arise from smoking, obesity, diabetes, lack of exercise and bad eating habits -- all often established in early life. To be able to control these diseases once they have been established is difficult but not impossible. This is where learing to live smarter comes into play.

No matter what state your health is in when you reach 50, my advice as a healthy 77 year old is to get smart and start a program of exercise and sensible eating.  In case you don't  know, this is where I come in and share my experience.

At some point in my mid 50's I began to change my eating habits by consuming less fatty and processed foods. Why? Because I started to put on weight which was a new experience for me. I ate more and did less exercise, and I don't really know why. I just got lazy I guess. Running, tennis, swimming, skiing and hiking, all the sports I enjoyed when I was younger became more difficult and as things got more difficult, I stopped doing them. And the viscious circle of lethargy and more consumption continued. A dangerous road to travel.  So I made a deal with myself to take responsibility and get into shape.

That was 25 years ago and I continue to take responsibility for my health. To date, I have avoided any of the chronic conditions which are predominate in my age group. None of this is difficult.  All you have to do is start. Remember,  "you can't stop aging but you don't have to get old."

Keep it Simple, Consistent and Fun.

Watch for my website, aprimelife.com coming soon.









Thursday, October 17, 2013

Endurance and stamina as we age..........

The older we get the more time we have available in our lives to enjoy travel, visiting family, play with grand kids, read the books you never had time for and of course time for reflection. Traveling to all the places you've always wanted to go is now available at your behest so don't let any physical inability hinder this wonderful stage of your life.

Retiring is not the time to become a couch potato, train yourself too, "just go out the door".

I can tell you how wonderful this time of you life can be if your healthy and have a lot of vitality, energy and endurance. As you know traveling at best is sometimes hard, getting on and off planes, checking in and out of hotels not to mention being a tourist which includes lots and lots of walking. This should be fun and adventurous seeing new places and enjoying other cultures wether in America of another country but you have to be up to it physically.

In my experience is you get that endurance from exercise and good eating habits. The more you exercise and the healthier you eat the easier it will be to build endurance and stamina.

Keep it Simple, Consistent and Fun.

Watch for my website, aprimelife.com coming soon.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

A sense of freedom as we age..........

I feel more free the older I get.

At 77 I'm no longer on anyones radar.  No one expects me to accomplish anything at this point, I don't have to be anywhere at any particular time, I don't have to worry about raising my children or sending them to college. That's all in the past.

Jody and Arnold
My ambition today is to live happy and stress free. Career pursuits are behind me, so I can do what I want to do, where I want to do it and when I wish to do it. Sounds good and it is, except for the following caveat:                    

Good Health and Financial Resources.

In my opinion, you have considerable control over both of these essential components. If by the time you retire and don't feel you have enough money then downsize. You'll find it's easier when your older and retired. You don't have to buy a new car as often, you don't have to keep up with the latest clothing fashion, or go to expensive restaurants, blah, blah, blah. There is plenty of information out there to help you downsize, just do some research. Take advantage of all the senior discounts that are available because there are lots of those. Keep your life simple and enjoy it.

Now to Good Health which is my domain.


Most important to keep in mind.  If you don't have good health by the time you retire, a lot of your existing financial resources will be spent on doctors and hospitals. That's the first reason to begin good health habits starting at 50+ by exercising every day and eating a healthy diet. And don't fall into thinking that, "I've worked hard all my life so I deserve to eat what I want and how much I want." Bad idea!


Always remember to play with the cards you're dealt, meaning one third of our longevity is determined by our genes, which leaves two-thirds within your influence, in other words,  your Good Health for the most part is completely in our hands.

Keep it Simple, Consistent and Fun.

Watch for my website, aprimelife.com, coming soon.