We sometimes wonder about our genetic inheritance. We wonder how much it has influenced our health and longevity. We are born with a genetic inheritance but what effect does it have and is it significant? It’s been studied extensively with many publications by researchers and scientists. The conclusion seems to be that lifestyle has more influence over longevity than genes. It’s said that although a family may have a history that includes those with shorter lifespans, we now

I’ve always tried to keep my calorie intake in sync with my weight. My belt is my gauge. If it’s tight then I eat less. That worked quite well for many years. I kept my intake of protein, carbs, fats, vitamins and so on in balance with my waist line. In recent years another indicator appeared. My little grandson would visit and first thing in the morning climb onto our bed, snuggle up and then stick his finger in my stomach and say “grandpa you have a fat tummy.”

Age may have something to do with the reasons we exercise. In my case at soon to be 93 I’m only interested in maintaining my high level of fitness. I want to be able to live my life as I always have. So, I do regular exercises every day that may be considered ‘light’ by some but they include aerobics. Because of my age, just to be able to do them is so important to me. It tells me I’m okay, I’m moving, I’m fit!

As soon as I take a first step on my elliptical it triggers an instant thought of how fortunate I am to be able to do this and the next thing that often pops into my head is the question: I wonder if it’s because I’ve been doing this for so long and is that the real reason I’m healthy and fit? These thoughts are not new but I’ve never thought about them as frequently as I have in the past several weeks. I’ll be 93 shortly.

A simple, regular routine that doesn’t take too long is my way to stay fit and healthy. I want to maintain my level of fitness and keep my high quality of life as I get older. We may encounter obstacles, unforeseen medical issues and so on. We will get past these and continue on. I always look forward to doing my exercises and I always feel good when I’m done!  

What to do in retirement! That was not an issue for me! Since my late 40s I’ve worked for myself and age 65 came and went, just another birthday! I’m always surprised when I’m reminded of my age. I didn’t expect to be here at 92. I remember when I was 60 thinking about what I’d be doing if I got to 80. The years went by in a blink. It was only when I reached 90 that suddenly my age became a topic and questions were asked about how this old guy still keeps running around!

It’s well known that regular exercising slows the aging process and prolongs life. A great many studies show this. They actually show...

I’ve been taking vitamins for decades. How I got started may be more interesting than how long I’ve been taking them or even what they...

Until my 90th birthday two years ago I hadn’t thought much about my age. The big surprise party my family gave me back then got me thinking about it.  I’m fortunate to be able to live an active life. I can’t think of anything that I’ve ever done that would explain it except that I’ve been exercising regularly for many years. There is, though, the possibility my outlook may have something to do with it.

The most powerful motivation for exercising for me at age 92 is to maintain my high quality of life. Several decades earlier I exercised to keep myself fit and healthy but that changed when I reached 60 plus. At that point there was a gradual transition to maintenance.

We all lose our relatives and friends through the years. I’ve been fortunate in having gained some new friends and relatives. Things change and we adapt and keep busy. That makes me happy and keeps things lively and interesting. And, over the last few years, I’ve had my oil well project that keeps me in touch with a circle of bright energetic people. I’m 92 with things to do, and plans for the future.

High aerobic fitness is associated with increased longevity. It may also give you a springier step, or make going upstairs easier, or maybe your complexion has suddenly improved, lots of little things. It can improve heart health, burn fat and calories, help your brain, and lift your mood.

My biggest challenge to continuing with a regular fitness routine over several decades was motivation. Next would be ease and convenience of doing the exercises. In ways they go together. Now, at 92, I’m more in control of my time and can more easily fit exercising into my day.

As I get older (92 now), I think how great it is that I can run around, mow the grass, rake leaves and climb the stairs endless times a day.

’Mind" or "mindset" is something I talk about frequently. It's what has created my powerful motivation to exercise daily.

To maintain regular exercise, the mind has to help. It has to keep you motivated. The mental part is the key to regular exercising.

Exercise has brain benefits. Studies suggest that the parts of the brain that control thinking and memory are larger in people who exercise.

This is about an athlete who had a heart attack at 52, recovered fully and at age 55 is better than ever!

Reading inspirational or insightful sayings can create motivation and reinforce positive feelings. This wisdom is ours to call upon!

The Senior Resource Center is aptly named! It offers a very wide range of fitness classes designed for people at all fitness levels.