A Life Fit to Live: Get off the couch, people! | Opinion

My home is a mix of folk art created by women from around the world, especially Mexico. I painted a blue sky and puffy white clouds on the ceiling of our living room, with Papel Picado lined up underneath in bold pastel tones. In the kitchen is a “Nicho,” a small 3D diorama depicting two human skeletons in Jane Fonda-esque aerobic positions with the phrase “Para que tenga una muerte sona, haga ejercicio cada mañana” – “To have a good one.” To have death, train every morning.” It’s my mantra and perfect for the kitchen. When I’m tempted to get a little drunk, I can cringe for a moment when I looking at this Nicho As a robust Norwegian American, I have paid attention to food and exercise most of my life.

“I feel a twinge every now and then in my knee where I had a meniscus repair,” I tell our brilliant orthopedic surgeon. I call him Dr. Downer who doesn’t get along with people that quickly. “Although I’m limber and stay fit.” He grumbles. I say, “Let me show you.” I squat low and stand back up. He says, “Unless you’re a Cossack dancer or a professional baseball catcher, it’s useless.” I wish I had added, “Unless you’re a person in many Asian and African countries, where most people are so deeply in “Be able to squat and hold it for hours.” I thought it was crazy, I thought he would be impressed and encouraging. I suspect he was jealous.

I just flew to South Dakota to visit my sister. I’m a packer and only take carry-on luggage, which is particularly challenging in winter conditions! I am 71 years old and have white hair. Nevertheless, I can easily lift my hand luggage into the luggage basket using a movement that uses arm, shoulder and core muscles. As a tribute to people’s kindness, I inevitably get asked if I need help. “No thanks. That’s why I go to the gym,” I say. And then, just as often, the Good Samsonite Samaritan says, “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure,” I say. And then, half the time, I ask again, “Are you sure?” Not only am I physically weak, but possibly mentally as well? I know they’re just being friendly and helpful, but my goodness, a no is a no. However, on this trip I was impressed by a young man who asked me if he could help me. When I said, “No thanks, that’s why I go to the gym,” he gave me my dream answer: “That’s very cool, good for you!”

I have another exercise habit that I’m surprised more people don’t do. When I travel, I resolve to never take an elevator or escalator, but always take the stairs. I’ve been doing this for many years and rarely see anyone else do it. I was once a cast member on a cruise ship show and given the amount of food they had available day and night, I decided to always take the stairs. I lost weight on this cruise! Since then, I don’t care if I’m on the 26th floor of a hotel; I would still take the stairs. If I have luggage, I either send it upstairs with my companion or have it sent to my room.

Hotels often only have stairs in addition to the service elevators; both are only intended for those who work there. I often heard, “Ma’am, the elevator is out there” when they pointed to the main hallway. “Yeah, I know. I’m training. Thank you.” This has happened many times.

I often take the opportunity to walk where others would go. I will intentionally park on the outer edge of a parking lot. I walk to pick up things I borrow or buy. It’s cheap, fun, doesn’t waste gas, and even helps with… other gas, wink wink. My husband Ken and I walk to Wellrock, our fitness facility in Altadena, and do strength and balance training there twice a week. Many studies extol the benefits of weight-bearing exercises and routines to promote balance. We are sometimes offered rides on our walks. “No thanks,” we wave.

These tips will be useful as we live longer. If you haven’t seen the documentary series Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones on Netflix, check it out now. Wikipedia says: “A blue zone is a region of the world where people live exceptionally long lives over 80 years due to a lifestyle that combines physical activity, low stress, rich social interactions, a local whole foods diet and a low incidence of disease. “ .” The Netflix show profiles six Blue Zones, from Loma Linda to Okinawa, where many residents over 100 live vibrant, dementia-free lives. And boy, do people in Okinawa do deep squats since many residents go without chairs and sofas. houses and often lie on the ground; You try to get up and back up from the floor several times a day. Dr. Downer would think that’s an exaggeration.

Yes, it is polite and kind to offer help to people with physical tasks, regardless of age. However, if someone says “No, thank you” to your offer of help, respect their no. Finally: “Para que tenga una muerte sona, haga ejercicio cada mañana” – “To have a good death, exercise every morning.” Because of my core strength, I want to get started next week.

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