Just like our car, our bodies need routine maintenance, especially as they age. Our “check engine” light comes on and we know it is time to fix our routines and make some changes.
That might mean our blood pressure has increased and it is time to watch our sodium intake. Our cholesterol numbers might be high. That tells us it is time to exercise more, decrease saturated fat and increase soluble fiber. If a joint is acting up, it may be time for physical therapy.
Once we get each item under control, the light switches off until another issue pops up and “check engine” appears again. Maintenance is inevitable, no one is going to go through life and aging without needing tweaks to their lifestyle.
This inspiration comes from my father-in-law Ty House.
He has been happily married to his wife, Lita, for more than 40 years. His family and friends are important to him. He is retired but has not slowed down. He stays active as an elected trustee in his home township as well as announcing local high school football and basketball games, walking with friends and playing with his grandchildren.
Ty has always been active. As a young man, he fit in workouts before work and attended activities of his son and daughter. In his 40’s and 50’s, he realized that he wanted to do more than he was doing, but he needed to not push himself quite as much. Now in his 60’s, he has realized that while he still feels like he is 18, he cannot do the things he used to do. But he does not sit back and give up. By surrounding himself with friends of his own age and abilities, he enjoys 3.5 mile walks several days a week as well as lifting weights and working out. He chooses his workout needs to fit his body physically as well as socially. Hanging out with other individuals who share similar fitness needs means he enjoys the experience and does not feel defeated as he would if he was surrounded by young athletes.
When it comes to food, the circumstances are similar. When he was young, he could eat anything and burn it off. As he has aged, his metabolism has changed. While anything still looks good, he is not as hungry as when he was more active. He knows that he needs to be aware of his eating habits or one of those “check engine” lights might just pop up. He is lucky that the women in his life help him focus on eating right.
He has goals that he is fighting for. He treasures his family and dear friends. He wants to be a role model for his grandchildren and dance at their weddings. He wants to participate in life physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. He knows whether he is feeling good or not. If his “check engine” light comes on, he looks into it and makes changes so that he can continue to be active. This is important because, besides other advantages, being active 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes per day can decrease dementia by 60%.
Ty is an awesome husband, father, grandfather and friend. His words of wisdom are to check in with yourself.
Are you right with your God?
Are you right with the world?
Are you right with yourself?
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Remember what is important.
Resources:
www.healthaccountabilitycoach.com
www.facebook.com/houselifestyles
