Chronologically I am 61 years young. Biologically speaking I am 46 years old. I weighed nearly 12 pounds at birth and maintained a hefty size for many years. I have been overweight and underweight. I was a ‘smoker’ for 45 years.
Now the story. In 2005 I suffered chronic sinusitis, allergies and had the start of emphysema. The allergist solved the pet allergy problems but I had to solve the others. I was told that if I did not change my lifestyle I would be on oxygen in 5 years. I would get out of breath climbing one flight of steps. I could not sleep due my inability to breath and my immune system was shot. I caught every virus, flu, cold and infection that came around.
I enlisted the help of my youngest son, a certified personal fitness trainer, and started a program. My lung capacity went from 25% to 47% in 4 short months and I am continuing to improve. I am regaining my strength and by all biomarkers I can measure at 61 years of age I am equivalent to a 46 year old. My immune system is back up and running. By the way, I quit smoking.
Proper nutrition, exercise and stopping smoking were the keys. The nutrition and exercise helped with the smoking stoppage.
I practice Tai Chi daily, continue with resistance and aerobic training and maintain a healthy nutrition program. Small changes in your lifestyle over time can help turn back the clock and improve health.
It sure feels good when people out of the blue stop you to ask how old you are. When I respond with my chronological age they can’t believe it. The say you don’t look or act that old. Feels good!
Simply changing your lifestyle and maintaining those changes over time can improve your health and your quality of life. I am such a firm believer in this now that I am working towards certification as a Lifestyle Fitness Coach and Nutritionist.
Practice the 3ps: Proper Nutrition, Productive Training and Positive Motivation.