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Born in 1944, I grew up at a time when smoking was ubiquitous. However, neither of my parents smoked. I took it up at age 18 and quit at age 28, which was hopefully soon enough to avoid any ill effects. Of course it would have been far better never to have started.
Physical activity is so important. I think the biggest fallacy is the thought "Oh well, I'm 70 now (or fill in some other age), so it's no longer important to go to the gym/exercise." That's when it's MOST important to continue. We need aerobic exercise, weights, and balance practice, such as yoga. I was doing pretty damn well until about three years ago, when I let it slide out of laziness. Today (January 1) I tried jogging. Oh, boy! I didn't use it, so I lost it. I will jog every day for the pitifully small time that I can, and it will come back. At some point, if we are too far gone, it may not ever come back!
I agree that keeping fit is important. I think that is the way we stay mobile. And it is hard for me to stay the course.
I agree that keeping fit is important. I think that is the way we stay mobile. And it is hard for me to stay the course.
Me, too. I am determined to walk at least a mile 5 days a week and chugged away on the treadmill today. I stuck to that schedule until last year (got lazy) and only walked in good weather. Gained 10 lbs. sadly. Don't really enjoy the treadmill but I watch TV and get through it. I prefer walking outdoors when the weather cooperates. I also do exercises for about 15 minutes each day.
My parents both lived to 95 in good shape until the very last weeks and several relatives lived to 97-102. I remember my great-aunt would read the New York Times and quizz me on current events.
Interestingly, they all drank in moderation - cocktails or wine in the evening well into their 80s and the older ones swore by a shot of whiskey each evening. No smokers.
None were overweight and most did their own housework, snow shoveling, gardening, etc. into their 80s. Most were well-educated and loved to read.
You just never know but I want my mind and body in pretty good shape in case there is a long haul.
Many years ago there was a very attractive(and thin) and young TV personality on an Atlanta station. One night she was doing a health related story and she casually mentioned, "when I need to keep my weight in check I simply bla bla bla..." I remember watching her and thinking "Just wait honey. Middle age spread will get you too."
about 20 years later I saw her and she was OBESE. She had married a very famous writer and he became extremely ill. She had to curtail her career and become his caretaker. Stress, depression, menopause, illness, etc all can lead to obesity. Don't judge.
A lot of people when they are younger, like both my kids (29 & 31) feel invincible so they don't worry about their future health although my older one is starting to get it. When I was younger I stayed thin without trying, I smoked half a pack a day and rarely exercised because I didn't have a weight problem. Now I have to go to the gym three days a week just to stay at 145 when I used to be around 115-120.
I know plenty of people younger than I am (just turned 62) who are in terrible shape because of things that, in many cases, they brought on themselves with poor diet, smoking, drinking too much, sitting watching TV when they could be going for a walk. I think a lot of them would have changed things if they had a crystal ball. Sometimes we just don't think ahead to our golden years when we are 25 and in great health.
A lot of people when they are younger, like both my kids (29 & 31) feel invincible so they don't worry about their future health although my older one is starting to get it. When I was younger I stayed thin without trying, I smoked half a pack a day and rarely exercised because I didn't have a weight problem. Now I have to go to the gym three days a week just to stay at 145 when I used to be around 115-120.
I know plenty of people younger than I am (just turned 62) who are in terrible shape because of things that, in many cases, they brought on themselves with poor diet, smoking, drinking too much, sitting watching TV when they could be going for a walk. I think a lot of them would have changed things if they had a crystal ball. Sometimes we just don't think ahead to our golden years when we are 25 and in great health.
I haven't noticed any big changes from when I was 20 generally, but I think what does me in is a sedentary job. I get up at 7:15, am in by 8, and am basically seated until I leave at 5. I'll get up a little during the day and take a walk on the municipal trail behind the office if the weather is good, but that's tough in the winter.
Smoking has been the bane of my existence. I have quit a couple of times for years, only to pick it back up again. When I was young and stupid, I tried a variety of illegal drugs, and they did nothing for me. But cigarettes were a constant addiction. My weight is fine, I drink very little, and even exercise regularly, but the cigs are always an issue. I'm actually planning on quitting tomorrow. For real. My wife and I both smoke, but we're going to stop together which makes it easier. If I didn't like it so much, it would be easier to quit too. Many nonsmokers bash smokers endlessly. But unless they themselves have smoked, they have no clue what it's like and how tough it is to give it up. There is a lot more to smoking than the actual act of smoking itself; the social aspect, the break time during undesirable tasks, the enjoyment of it after intimate moments and while having a drink, etc. . . But I've stopped successfully before. I can do it again. Sigh. . .
I can identify with this. The problem with quitting is that you have to have a REAL desire and motivation to do so. I've tried, half heartedly, a few times but now I have some serious problems that have motivated me big time. I've been diagnosed with COPD, had pulmonary testing done and now it's "do or die" so I'm *doing*. It's only been two weeks but that's better than I have ever done. I'm using the patch and it helps a lot. Last time, which was this past April, I tried the lozenges and they just made me sick. I still have a bunch of those. The worst times are like at work at break time. What do I do now that I'm not going outside to smoke with my friends? I hang out INSIDE with other friends. I now take my lunch and eat in the break room. It's weird that I haven't desired one after I eat though. In fact it's been pretty easy for me all the way around. I keep waiting to get 'grouchy' etc. and it never happens. I have a LOT more energy and my attitude and mood is much better. I'm eating more too which I really NEED to do. Hoping to gain some weight. I can't say I've ever really "enjoyed" smoking and have even questioned why I was lighting one up when I really didn't want it. They were 'just there' and now they aren't.
I can identify with this. The problem with quitting is that you have to have a REAL desire and motivation to do so. I've tried, half heartedly, a few times but now I have some serious problems that have motivated me big time. I've been diagnosed with COPD, had pulmonary testing done and now it's "do or die" so I'm *doing*. It's only been two weeks but that's better than I have ever done. I'm using the patch and it helps a lot. Last time, which was this past April, I tried the lozenges and they just made me sick. I still have a bunch of those. The worst times are like at work at break time. What do I do now that I'm not going outside to smoke with my friends? I hang out INSIDE with other friends. I now take my lunch and eat in the break room. It's weird that I haven't desired one after I eat though. In fact it's been pretty easy for me all the way around. I keep waiting to get 'grouchy' etc. and it never happens. I have a LOT more energy and my attitude and mood is much better. I'm eating more too which I really NEED to do. Hoping to gain some weight. I can't say I've ever really "enjoyed" smoking and have even questioned why I was lighting one up when I really didn't want it. They were 'just there' and now they aren't.
It isn't easy but good luck with it!
Hang in there! Don't let the two weeks of effort go to waste.
Hang in there! Don't let the two weeks of effort go to waste.
Definitely hanging in there! Looking forward to my six month 'anniversary'. Two weeks isn't very long but it's a good start!
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