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.

My daily exercise routine consists of nine individual exercises. It starts with a 10-minute aerobic workout. It used to be an hour years ago, then a half hour and now it’s very short. Back then I ran outdoors for much longer, sometimes for to 2 or 3 hours. My posts here are about this journey that I call ‘lifelong fitness.’ It’s a long story and I have been writing about it in my posts. I’m 92 and have been exercising regularly for a very long time.

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!  

About 10 days ago I took a trip to Houston by plane and home, and then to Chattanooga by car and home. There were delays, standing in long lines, canceled flights, exhausting! When I got home to Wilmington NC a couple of days ago, I was tired. I had done no exercising while I was away.

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...

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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.

If I were to start exercising for the first time I would walk for 15 or 20 minutes or do my telephone pole routine and then do several simple exercises. If I needed to lose a few pounds I’d reduce my food intake. I would want to exercise enough that I can feel it. Fitness takes many months to achieve and improvement comes in small increments. Start slowly, don’t push, don’t get hurt.

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.

I’ve found that medical practitioners that are fitness conscious themselves are the ones that do the best job for me. Orthotics and a good chiropractor have helped me sort out various aches and pains.

Two weeks ago, I adjusted the resistance level on my elliptical down one level. I’d noticed in recent weeks that my speed (measured in minutes per mile) had been slower. This is the signal that I can’t do as much as I could several years ago. At 92 this is acceptable.

The ability to have good balance is critical as we grow older. Two of my daily exercises incorporate balance.

People now in their 60s and 70s have the potential for so many great years ahead that it’s worth a little time to carefully think about how to exercise through this period and into later years. I decided to get myself healthy and maintain a good level of fitness. A short fitness program done regularly will do it.

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 sole purpose in exercising is to maintain an overall good level of health and overall fitness. I think that has included my brain and mental attitude that was unknowingly included as one of the benefits. I continue with my regular exercises that have now become a habit and one I look forward to.

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.