My Auntie passed away in her sleep a few days ago. She lived a long life well into her 80s. As our population ages, and people live much longer, we all need to consider the quality of life we will have into our 80s and beyond.
This article describes the benefits of fitness for the elderly (which, by the way, will be US in fewer years than we want to admit!). The USA is sadly FAR behind the rest of the world, offering little in the way of walk-able communities and fitness and wellness opportunities for older populations.
“…several large urban centers around the world are starting to install purpose built outdoor gyms and play areas for the elderly to inspire fitness and wellbeing.”
My father will celebrate his 81st birthday in mid-July. He keeps fit by taking care of his horses in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. This is a photo of him hiking around Mammoth Lakes last year.
If you have parents still alive, do you see to their care and fitness needs? Hopefully you can still encourage them to at least walk if they are able.
And while you are at it, work on your own fitness regimen. It’s easier than you think. More about that later.
You are never too old to play.
Are You Still Young at Heart? By Robin Trimingham
When I was young I used to beg my mother to take me to the neighbourhood park to play on the swings. To me, there was nothing better than the heart pounding exhilaration of being pushed higher and higher into the sky and then vaulting myself into space before landing in the soft sand below.
For an extra rush, I would occasionally convince her to drive me to another park about five minutes further away where the swing set was even larger and leaping from the seat required actual courage because the landing area was composed of wood chips which scattered beneath me as I touched down resulting in more than one scraped knee before I got the hang of it.
Fun times indeed.
Like most adults, I thought those days were long behind me until a doctor friend of mine…
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I am sorry to hear about your loss, Terri!
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Thank you. We’re at peace about it.
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Terri, I am so sorry for the loss of your aunt. You’ve taken this sad moment to remind all of us about the steps we must take on behalf of our own aging family members as well as ourselves. Thank you for your kind heart.
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Thanks for your condolences, Sharon. I’m glad my father, my aunt’s close cousin is at peace with it.
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Sorry for your loss Terri. Sounds like she had a good, long life although I know that never fully eases the pain of the loss. And I agree that we are indeed never too old to play 🙂
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Thanks, Lisa. When I talked to my dad yesterday, he had accepted the news. She was his cousin and they had been close as teens. My dad, though suffering from COPD, still enjoys life and is my role model for my playful attitude 😊
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You know I am a fan of your Dad 😀
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I’m sorry to her about your auntie, Terri. I have a favorite auntie who is 90 years old. Prior to a stroke she suffered two years ago, she lived independently, went to exercise five days a weeks, and was always on go. She’s my roll model! Keep moving!
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So many folks are living healthy lives into their 90s, it’s always wonderful to hear! Thanks for stopping by, Jill ☺
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She’s a good role model too! Sorry for the typo, Terri. 🙂
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Hi Terri! Happy early birthday to your Dad. That is so important to stay young and active as long as we can. I am fortunate to live where lots of older but very active adults live. Nearly every day I am inspired to see what people are capable of no matter what their age. I think people in the past were more active (my parents certainly were) so they didn’t always need the constant reminder to exercise–but we, and all those at any age, will benefit by the experience. And yes, the more our communities make fun “play places” for us to do it, the better. ~Kathy
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Thank you, Kathy! Here’s hoping that more new communities will do a better job of creating safe walking spaces. It really is inspiring to see older folks staying active.
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I am so lucky that my mom (the 70+ model on my blog) is so healthy still—she’ll be 80 next year!!
She works out with a workout dvd 3 days a week and takes no medication!! Isn’t that amazing!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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Jodie, that is so wonderful to hear! Your mom is a great example of aging well and staying healthy (while looking fashionable, too)!!
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