As You Grow Older, Take the Middle Path
In the last few years, I have lost at least six people known to me personally who were in their 50s and 60s and who died because of doing too much to be “fit.”
All of them looked fit. One was a retired colonel. At age 64, he used to run five kilometres daily. He was a picture of fitness and health.
Unfortunately, he collapsed on the treadmill one morning and died within minutes. Cause of death — heart failure.
Another lady, 57, was on a crash diet to lose weight. She was taken to hospital with ketosis and dehydration and died due to kidney failure.
We need to realize that by 40 years of age our bodies are undergoing a lot of changes. At 50, even more.
Sixty-plus onwards — the body starts to slow down.
From 70-plus — different parts prepare to shut down.
Eighty-plus — every year is a bonus.
We must stop saying saying 60 is the new 40, 50 is the new 30 …
At these ages, we should start slowing down We have to slow down so that our heart and the rest of our body can keep pace.
I have written about this in another story on Medium.
Outwardly we could be looking good, thanks to our genes. But inside, the organs are aging.
So what must we — dare I say oldies — do to be “happy” internally and not just externally?
As is true for everything in life, MODERATION is the mantra.
Exercise
A moderate amount of exercise for about 20 to 30 mins is good for the body. Walking, cycling, jogging, aerobics, yoga — all are good. But we must not overdo it or push ourselves till we are exhausted. No need to reach any magical…
