Small things to help us age well

[Anonymous]

After decades of morbid obesity and laziness, I have spent my 40s getting into a healthy BMI, a much better relationship with food, and a much higher level of daily activity. I want to maximize all of the years I have left, so I'm mining for small improvements I can make on a daily basis. I know I need to incorporate cardio and weight-lifting so that's my plan for the rest of 2024. I already:

* eat mostly plant-based
* walk 3-4 miles a day
* keep my weight in the healthy BMI range
* stay active by doing things like: parking far away from my destination, walk extra laps when I am at the mall, put things away one at a time to keep my steps] count up, etc
* the small things I've been doing: practice my balance while I brush my teeth, green tea, jog in place when my dogs sniff the same bush for what feels like forever, and I happen to love crosswords...

I would welcome any ideas you have for small ways to incorporate movement and better health into my life. I'm watching my very sedentary mother pass away in increments and I have so much left to do and see, I am thankful for any advice!

[Anonymous]

I think you're doing great and should keep it up. I just want to add that medical conditions affect everyone. You can't escape genetics. You're doing all of the things that will potentially help you recover more easily.

[Anonymous]

Protein. You need protein for muscle mass as you age.

[Anonymous]

yep, you have it going on....I want to get to where you are over the summer and enter fall running 5Ks and such!

[Anonymous]

OP here, yes I do focus on protein as much as I'm able. Orgain protein shakes (20), lots of tofu and seitan, limiting useless carbs and sticking to the fun ones

[Anonymous]

Yoga or other mobility work. You mentioned weights - I hate this piece but find an upper body weight practice essential. I have spinal osteoporosis concerns (based on family history) so I also focus on weights and mobility for my spine. Most of all just keep moving ….

[Anonymous]

Lifting weights. Biggest improvement to my health in the last 5 years.

[Anonymous]

Yoga for mobility is super smart thank you

[Anonymous]

Add Peter Attia's podcast to your routine, or read his book. He's subscriber only but I've learned so much about extending life and health span. You might start with episode 202, which talks about protein consumption. By his standards, you probably aren't getting enough whole protein. It takes some effort even when you are eating meat, and is really hard if you aren't.

[Anonymous]

Floss daily.

[Anonymous]

Planks/crunches/squats/jumping jacks/wall sits/burpees during commercial breaks

Hot baths

You’re doing great!

[Anonymous]

I've heard that regular sex, whether solitary or with another person, can be very good for your health and I think many ageing people tend to dismiss this.

[Anonymous]

Friends, sleep, and meaningful work/engagement. All more powerful predictors of longevity than fitness or food. AND they are fun!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you're doing great and should keep it up. I just want to add that medical conditions affect everyone. You can't escape genetics. You're doing all of the things that will potentially help you recover more easily.

This , you can try all you want and be struck down regardless.

But if it improves your quality of life, keep it up.

[Anonymous]

Drink water. Lots of it.
I purposely have like 4 water bottles around the house/in the car so i don't have an excuse to not take a few sips here and there like when passing from room to room.

Fwiw, I dread drinking water. I'm rarely thirsty so I don't naturally seek it out so having water bottles set out helps especially the one in the car cup holder. I drink from a straw which helps.