Today I became eligible for Medicare. Oh, I still have 25 days before reaching that generally accepted age 65 portal to old age, but have clearly opened a new chapter. So, I felt it was time for some reflection and life planning. I have written one book on the topic of positive life planning and quickly came to the conclusion that it is time to start practicing what I preach…for successful aging one needs to focus on all the domains for wellness; not just a few.
Coincidentally, my wellness Center announced the start of a “Greatest Losers” program this week. As a birthday present to myself, I joined one of the three groups of masochists beginning a 10 week journey toward wellness. We meet twice a week to work out with a personal trainer, take nutrition classes and are expected to exercise on our own at least 5 days a week. I am committed to helping my team achieve first place in this competition, but more importantly, I am committed to getting the physical domain of my life in order.
To be honest, I think the last time I was really in shape was just prior to heading for Viet Nam in 1970. While I have been working out an hour a day, 4 to 6 days a week for a year, I am not in shape. My first discovery this week involved a whole bunch of muscles that had been participating in that effort. I now have a new appreciation for why more adults in their 70s and 80s do not jump right into fitness programs to rebuild upper body and leg strength.
My intent is to track my progress here while also addressing lessons learned in all of the dimensions of well being in this new chapter of life. I am sore but motivated to meet and achieve my goals so stay tuned. I am hopeful that I can use this experience to also help me understand how to advise other older adults to pursue wellness.
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