Live Long and Prosper

 Introduction

When I reached 60, I had mixed feelings. I am happy to be alive but at the same time I know there is not much sand left in my hourglass. No matter how much I have accomplished, I would be lying if I said I don't have regrets; lots of 'been there, done that' experiences but there are so many more items in my bucket list if only I were younger and had more time to squeeze into my already full life. It is natural many of us want to live forever if we could.  I admit there is no benefit worrying about the inevitable; this we cannot control. What we can control is how we can make the best of what time is left.

Move It

No matter our age, sitting still is bad for our health. When I was younger, I was a marathon runner and represented my high school in football. Then, I grew older. I embrace the sedentary lifestyle with gusto-studying for hours preparing for exams, writing programming codes and preparing for my lectures. When obesity creeps in, shedding excess fat seems to be near impossible. As we grow older, not moving much and being overweight will not help in achieving good health and aging gracefully.

We need to put in place a exercise regime in our weekly routine. Walk, cycle, swim or workout at the local gym. Start gradually and slowly increase our effort. Breaking a sweat and intentionally raising our heart beat through rigorous exercise help to get rid of harmful toxic in our bodies. 

Very obvious many of us can't get around to lift our butt of the couch and exercise. There's always a voice inside our head telling us to keep sitting on that comfortable couch and watch Netflix all day. Believe me, if we just lift our body, put on those running shoes and start walking, we will never regret it. Nike's motto 'Just Do It' should be our motto. There is never a good time to start doing something 'unpleasant'. Now is just as good as any.So, let's get off our butt this morning or evening and walk, run, cycle or swim.

More Greens Less Soda

As we age, eating healthy foods is essential for quality of life. Eat less but if we want to eat more, eat more leafy greens, nuts and berries; hold back on meat, soda drinks, process foods. Obesity is rampant among most society around the world. We overeat, and we are not active enough; and many of us are not sleeping enough and not at the right time.

Soda and energy drinks are full of added sugar. Stop smoking if we can. Drink lots of water. Add lemon to our water. Avoid or reduce sugar intake. Added sugar is extremely unhealthy for our bodies; it contains sucrose and empty calories. Consuming too much added sugar has dire health consequences we do not need at any age.

Sleep

Sleep serves a multi function. Our bodies need rest. During sleep, our body repairs itself and our brains sorts out our memory. This is why we feel fresh physically and mentally after a good night sleep. Getting enough sleep is essential; around 7 hours a night. Sleeping consistently at the same ant at the right time is just as important. The ideal time to sleep is 9-10 pm. Nowadays, the younger generation sleep late, and don't get enough quality sleep. As we grow older, sleeping habits is instrumental to our health.

When we sleep, it is best to sleep in the dark. For the longest of years, I have slept with the lights on; until I read many articles that highlights the benefits of sleeping in the dark. Sleeping in the dark tells our body it's time to sleep; helps our body to relax. Melatonin is a very important hormone in our body. Sleeping in the dark makes our body regulates the production of melatonin. I feel uncomfortable sleeping without the lights on but since I switched off the lights when sleeping, I find that I wake up more relaxed.

Try Something New

It's never too late to learn something new. Learn a new language, travel and visit places we have never been before. Take up a new hobby. For many years I have been trying to learn French and Arabic. Now that I am retired, I can make a more serious effort. Learning and experiencing something new help improve our brain plasticity; help our brain to grow. I have a few more holiday destinations I have not checked off my bucket list. Maybe once it is safer to travel my next dream destination is Istanbul.