This article is especially for new subscribers.
Welcome to the Put Old on Hold Journal, dedicated to helping you stay healthy and achieve a long, vibrant life. I’m 97 years old, and I started my anti-aging and longevity journey in my thirties.
My interest in anti-aging activities began when, by chance, I discovered a magazine called Prevention, founded and published by J.I. Rodale. At the time, interest in anti-aging strategies was just starting, and Prevention published articles, mostly written by J.I. Rodale, on health and promoted simple, natural supplements like kelp, dolomite, and rose hips (for vitamin C), all of which I took religiously. While Prevention is still around today, it’s hard not to feel that J.I. Rodale might be turning in his grave, seeing how much Big Pharma’s influence has crept into the magazine. (Fun fact: Greg Gutfeld was once a Prevention editor!)
Over the years, I researched and read everything about healthy alternative lifestyles. I deepened my understanding of supplements, nutrition, exercise, and overall healthy living. I continue to take a variety of supplements. It takes a while to learn which supplements really provide benefits, but eventually you get a sense of what you need.
Learning about supplements and diet was just the beginning. I knew the benefits of exercise. I’ve probably purchased every piece of exercise equipment ever advertised on TV, from treadmills to resistance bands. Today, I ride my stationary bike for 20 minutes a day and work out twice a week with a trainer to keep my body strong, flexible, and energized.
I was born with scoliosis. My spine is shaped like a capital “J.” It can be painful at times, but you learn to live with it. Over the years, two serious falls during ice skating and exercising have impacted my balance, but I’ve managed to adapt. Thankfully, my brain is still working, and that’s one of the greatest gifts of all.
I live near a retirement community and often read its newsletter. Residents write and complain about health issues and problems with doctors and treatments, and the reality of living on a meager Social Security retirement income. It’s disheartening to read that so many people in their 70s and 80s have serious health problems. They expect their “meds” to fix a lifetime of bad food and poor lifestyle choices, but refuse or are unable to change or improve their diet. Many seniors find comfort in food and use it for entertainment. It mitigates pain and loneliness. Eating too much, too often, and too much junk becomes a way of life, and it’s no surprise when health eventually suffers. You can’t eat junk day after day over your lifetime and expect your mind and body to thrive.
If you want to lead a long, healthy life, it’s never too late to start. You don’t have to begin in your thirties as I did. Your body is incredibly resilient, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it responds to intelligent, consistent, and loving care at every age. The secret is simple: you have to really want to do it. You need to stay committed, be open to learning, and stick to your goals—no matter what.
I invite you to ride along with me on the longevity train heading for age 120. Don’t laugh. Please watch this 15-minute video: Why You Will Live 30 Years Longer Than You Think
The best is yet to come!
Photo: May 2021
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