Why do I exercise?

I was in my 30s when I started running and exercising for the purpose of health and fitness. But I was almost 50 before I thought I was really fit and actually ran some races. My first NYC Marathon was in 1978 at age 47.

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.

I met an old friend recently, younger than me. He confided to me that he thought being old was for the bleep! He was having trouble tying his shoelaces and then had real difficulty getting up off a chair onto his feet. On another occasion, an elderly lady with infirmities, close to my age, said to me “you know, I think I’m ready to go”. I had a hard time with that remark. She didn’t mean go home to her house! I think getting old really worries a lot of elderly people and they give up. The ability to maintain independence and quality of life is slipping away and when a man is told he can’t drive his car anymore it’s devastating to him.

I think getting old really worries a lot of elderly people and they give up. The ability to maintain independence and quality of life is slipping away and when a man is told he can’t drive his car anymore it’s devastating to him.

There are studies that show optimists tend to live longer. If that’s true then one’s outlook such as is ‘the glass half full or half empty’ -- that sort of thing -- could have a bearing on longevity. I’m inclined to look on the sunny side of things and I have a certain amount of resilience when it comes to adversity. I think the saying “Fall down seven times, stand up eight” would apply to me. Perseverance and determination are important traits. “Don’t Quit!” is my favorite motivational saying.

There are studies that show optimists tend to live longer. If that’s true then one’s outlook such as is ‘the glass half full or half empty’ -- that sort of thing -- could have a bearing on longevity.

I don’t think longevity just happens; you have to want to live a long life. I don’t think it’s influenced very much by genes. Lifestyle is thought to have a much greater influence on longevity. You’ll continue to overcome obstacles, lose weight if you have to, exercise regularly, keep fit, and keep busy doing things you enjoy!

I was in my 30s when I started running and exercising for the purpose of health and fitness. But I was almost 50 before I thought I was really fit and actually ran some races. My first NYC Marathon was in 1978 at age 47.  A key lesson came in this period, listen to your body, don’t do too much at any one time, if there’s an ache or pain get it fixed. Don’t push. Take rests.

I sometimes think about how long I’ll be able to write these posts. I’ve come to like writing. It provides clarity to parts of my life I hadn’t thought about for a long time including how my regular exercise routine became a habit. A habit I like, and the one thing that I believe keeps me fit and healthy!

I intend to continue on doing my exercises and writing these posts. Sometime in the future there’ll be a ‘graceful exit.’ In the meantime, I continue with my downsized exercise program, I get a feeling of accomplishment when I’m done, I feel good, and I look forward to tomorrow!!