Thursday, June 13, 2024

What is the secret to staying relatively healthy at age 70?

Profile photo for Munyaradzi Chakweva. Jr

There's something special about reaching 70 years of age. It's a milestone that not everyone gets to reach, and it's a testament to a life well-lived. As I reflect on my own grandmother who passed away back in 2020 at the age of 85, I can't help but wonder what her secret was to staying relatively healthy all those years.

My grandma was a force to be reckoned with. Despite her age, she was always full of energy and life. She could outwalk me, outcook me, and outlaugh me any day. It was an absolute joy to spend time with her, and I often found myself wondering how she managed to stay so healthy and vibrant even in her later years.

Reflecting on her life, I've come to realize that her secret was a combination of factors that anyone can implement to stay healthy at 70 and beyond. And so, in tribute to my beloved grandmother, I'd like to share her secrets with all of you.

Stay active: My grandmother was always on the go. She loved to take long walks every day, and she never shied away from physical tasks like gardening or cleaning. I remember her telling me that her motto was "use it or lose it," and she lived by that every day. Keeping our bodies moving is crucial for our overall health, especially as we age.

Eat well: My grandma was a fantastic cook, and she always made sure to use fresh and nutritious ingredients in her meals. She taught me the importance of a balanced diet and never overindulging. She also loved to bake, but she always made sure to use healthier substitutes like applesauce instead of butter. A healthy and balanced diet is essential for our bodies to function optimally, no matter what age we are.

Stay mentally stimulated: My grandmother was always curious and eager to learn. She loved to read and solve crossword puzzles, and she was always eager to learn new things. Keeping our minds active and engaged can help prevent memory loss and other cognitive decline associated with aging.

Stay socially connected: Despite losing her husband at a young age, my grandma never let that stop her from forming meaningful connections with others. She was always surrounded by friends and family, and she never turned down an opportunity to socialize. Studies have shown that having a strong social network can contribute to a longer and healthier life.

Have a positive outlook: My grandmother was one of the most positive people I've ever known. She always had a smile on her face, and she never let life's challenges bring her down. She taught me the power of a positive attitude and how it can impact our physical and mental well-being.

Take care of your mental health: Even in her later years, my grandma made sure to take care of her mental health. She was a firm believer in the power of meditation and often practiced it to stay calm and centered. Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health, especially as we age.

In the end, my grandmother's secret to staying relatively healthy at 70 and beyond was simply living life to the fullest. She never let her age stop her from doing the things she loved, and she always took care of her mind, body, and soul.

So, as we honor and remember my dear grandma, let us also take her lessons to heart and strive to live a healthy and fulfilling life, no matter our age. And as she always said, "age is just a number, it's how you live that really matters."

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