My Healthy Rules for a Vibrant Life at 82.5
I’m 82.5 years old, but I feel and act much younger. I never think of myself as an old man. These are the healthy habits that help keep me that way.
Sleep is Essential
Good sleep is the foundation for everything else. Without enough sleep, you won’t feel like exercising, preparing healthy meals, or doing the activities that make life rewarding. I feel my best with a solid eight hours of sleep each night.
Park Far Away
When I go shopping, I park at the far end of the parking lot. It gives me an extra slice of exercise, and there are other benefits too: I save time by not circling for a spot, and there’s less chance of getting my car dinged. It’s a simple habit that adds up.
Ponder Daily
I’ve never been able to meditate, and I’ve stopped trying. Instead, I ponder — and it works for me. Ideally, I do this while walking, especially when I find a beautiful Redwood tree. I stand by the tree and think. I aspire to be like a Redwood: strong, persistent, patient, resilient. I also ponder my daily goals:
- Have fun every day
- Do a good deed every day
- Be a better person
Be Outside as Much as Possible
Humans were meant to be outdoors. I walk outside every day, but I also garden, chat with neighbors, and eat lunch and dinner outdoors whenever possible. Fresh air and sunshine are everyday essentials.
Do Resistance Training
I’m a big believer in resistance training. I have a thing for pushups — I can do 50 in one go. I also do tricep pushups on a bench and am working on mastering ten perfect burpees. At home, I have a set of dumbbells for strength exercises, which I try to do two to three times a week. During my walks, I add skipping, galloping, and even break into a jog for 100 yards or so.
Practice Tai Chi
Each morning during my walk, I fit in a six-minute Tai Chi routine (Yang-Style 24 moves). It’s a great way to stay flexible, balanced, and focused.
Grow and Cook with Herbs
I grow ten different herbs in my garden, and I use them liberally in my cooking. Cooking with fresh herbs adds vibrancy to meals — and to life itself.
Stay Active Every Day
My goal is to walk, ride my bike, or do resistance training every day. Mostly, I walk, but when the weather’s right, I enjoy riding my bike. Going to the gym is low on my list — it’s not my favorite environment for exercise.
Cook Healthy Meals
Cooking is therapeutic. I focus on healthy meals: lots of beans, lentils, fish dishes, soups, and pasta. We enjoy red meat occasionally, but vegetables, herbs, and spices are the real stars in our kitchen.
Stay Social
We’re fortunate to live on a terrific block with several friendly neighbors. Janelle and I are also lucky to have close friends from our college days — plus younger friends who bring fresh perspectives. Staying socially connected keeps us energized and young at heart.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care becomes even more important with age. I keep up with dental care, vaccinations, and annual doctor visits, including blood work and preventive checks. It’s all part of staying healthy and catching issues early.
Enjoy Wine (Responsibly)
We love wine — white, rosé, red, and sparkling. Despite what some experts say, we believe wine is good for us. Sharing wine with friends is a big part of our social life. Of course, we never drink and drive; ride-sharing is a no-brainer for keeping ourselves and others safe.
Treasure Family
We are blessed with a wonderful family: three sons, their amazing spouses, and four incredible granddaughters. They keep us positive, motivated, and focused on staying healthy for all the good times ahead.