Aging Gracefully: The Wit and Wisdom of Jack LaLanne
By Susan Mosley
Those of us who were fortunate enough to see Jack and his lovely wife Elaine at Hamilton Place Mall recently were able to see a couple who has truly lived a life of well-being and fulfillment. They epitomize the concept of aging gracefully.
If you are too young to remember, Jack had a television fitness program in the 50s and 60’s. At the time his ideas were quite revolutionary: espousing no sugar or refined foods, while promoting weight training for everyone, including women and children. Most medical authorities, nutrition experts, and professional athletes have now adopted his theories. He started out as a scrawny, depressed, lethargic 15-year-old and transformed himself into a legend.
At the age of 90, he still exercises for up to 2 hours a day. His mind is clear and focused. Mr. La Lanne travels extensively. Even after flying across country he gave a rousing presentation and signed autographs for hours. He maintains a schedule that would drain most of us younger folk. Elaine’s posture is better than mine. At age 79, she led an aerobics group through their paces: an age when many people are homebound and dependent upon medications and family support to just get though the day.
Here is some of the philosophy I gleaned from watching their presentation:
• Be passionate about what you do and who you are. Nobody can make you happy except you. If you are just going through the motions of life, your spirit ages, your outlook withers, and your body will deteriorate as well.
• Stay young at heart, and open to new experiences. Jack was charming, wearing reflective sunglasses and a leather jacket just like a rock star. Cultivate friends of all ages and mindsets.
• Don’t expect God to take care of your health. You were given the gift of a powerful, energetic body to house your soul. Look at a toddler: they are constantly energetic, inquisitive, with smooth skin, they sleep well, and play is the most important part of the day. How you treat your body reflects how well you value that precious gift.
• Watch your diet! The earth has been blessed with pure water, fruit, fish, nuts, and vegetables in abundance for our nourishment. God’s not forcing you to eat that chocolate éclair. Would you feed your dog coffee and donuts for breakfast? Why do you think you are tired every day?
• Take your vitamins! Even Jack, who eats as many as 10 vegetables at one meal, takes up to 50 vitamins a day for supplemental nutrients. Our depleted farm soil makes it hard for us to get many of the vital trace elements needed for optimal functioning.
• Move it or lose it! Just as an unused door hinge starts to creak, stick and get rusty, your joints and muscles will freeze up without consistent movement and activity. I asked Mr. LaLanne if his voice ever got tired doing all his speeches. He laughed, “It’s just like anything else, the more I use it, the stronger it gets!”
• Stimulate your brain. Do puzzles, read new books, go see Riverdance, go to the local attractions that you have always ignored, travel, try a new cuisine. Recent research shows that keeping your mind active will prevent dementia and promote a more satisfying lifestyle.
• Share your knowledge and your heart. Do one thing ever day to make the world a better place. Teach a kid a new skill, pick up trash in your neighborhood, befriend a homeless animal, have a kind word for the stressed employee in the checkout line, check in with your elderly neighbor. Create positive energy around you and you will reap the benefits.
• You always have time to exercise! During those 3 minute commercials in your favorite TV show you can do bicep curls, walk in place, ride and invisible bike, or stretch.
If you gradually incorporate these changes into your daily routine, you will glow with health, longevity, and inner peace like this gracious couple.
For more information call:
Susan Mosley, LAC, Dipl. C.H.
Four Seasons Wellness
6245 Vance Road, Suite B
Chattanooga TN 37421
423-596-9024
www.fourseasonswellness.com
This article was posted by susan mosley
