A Blueprint for Good Health into Your Golden Years
Frank crossed the line at the annual Ragnar Relay in Hapuna Bay, Hawaii with his arms raised and a triumphant smile on his face. A 30th place finish, nothing to write home about typically; but this one was special for Frank. 100 relays in 30 years, peppered with almost daily golf games, twice monthly travel, and an active role in the University of Central Florida’s athletic department. On his 90th birthday, Frank had realized a dream he settled on at 58; to still be a vibrant, healthy, active individual when most of us are slowing to a crawl. He didn’t get there by accident or strike the genetic lottery either, Frank has worked hard every day to make sure he doesn’t have to slow down until he decides he wants to.
Senior Health
According to the CDC, 40% of Americans over the age of 65 are either under- or over-weight. Without even mentioning exercise, nearly half of all seniors don’t meet healthy dietary requirements, which can drastically affect quality of life. AARP comes out with a new study what seems like every other week on the negative effects of under/over-nourishment in relation to senior health. Most recently, they found that diet sodas show indicators of increasing risks involved with stroke and dementia. AARP also recently cited a study that showed that seniors (one of the largest coffee and tobacco demographics in the U.S.) are more likely to suffer from dozens of preventable diseases if they adopt a healthy diet and avoid smoking. Six of the major diseases that a proper diet can help seniors avoid include:
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Kidney Disease
- Cancer
- Peripheral Artery Disease
- Hypertension
Diet is just half the equation to excellent mental and physical health well into your senior years, however. The CDC has found that 80% of American adults don’t participate in the recommended weekly amount of exercise. To put that in perspective, two days of activity that lasts between 30-60 minutes is all it takes to meet weekly exercise goals. Exercise is incredibly important, the role it plays in our short and long-term health is arguably even greater than the role diet plays. There isn’t a single 100-year-old that mentions that they remain stagnant when interviewed. Many of them still garden, shop for their own groceries, engage in social circles, or get at least some form of physical and mental stimulation daily. The list of preventable diseases that consistent exercise helps prevent goes on forever, but here a few of the major ones:
- Arthritis
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
- Respiratory Diseases
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Shingles
Frank likes to use a particular saying when he is explaining the importance of both diet AND exercise to his peers. “A 1990 Pinto isn’t going to beat a Ferrari just because you have premium gasoline in it. But a brand-new Ferrari is useless if you pump it full of cheap gas and don’t change the oil.” The human body is infinitely more complex than an internal combustion engine, but we often treat our cars better than our bodies. Put in good fuel, and make your body a Ferrari by exercising consistently, the last thing you want to be is a 1990 Pinto with cheap fuel and old oil.
Live a Longer, Happier Life
Major longevity companies have spent billions on studying the human condition and what factors directly affect life spans. In recent years the questions they ask clients have shifted dramatically towards fitness and diet, and for good reason. A decade ago a longevity company may have asked you if you smoke, then they would dig into your medical records and draw a conclusion. Now longevity companies ask questions like “Do you garden?” and “Do you shop for your own groceries?”. These everyday physical activities have a major quantifiable effect on health and longevity.
So much of the healthcare industry is based around making sure we live as long as we possibly can. For those living with serious problems that may not mean living a comfortable life. Modern medicine is a marvel, and every senior health plan should include regular check-ups. However, the quality of one’s life raises exponentially with a proper diet and exercise regimen.
Frank speaks with individuals 20 years his junior that are starting to struggle with physical ailments almost daily in his position at UCF. “Start walking today, walk a little further tomorrow, work on your diet, and join a club.” he repeats ad nauseam “Call me in a year when you feel like you’re in your 30’s again.”
Franks Golden Rule
Frank has spent his entire life involved with diet, fitness, and health philosophy on a personal and academic level. Hundreds of young men and women attribute their healthy lifestyle philosophies to what he taught them. Every single life he has touched knows Franks Golden Rule by heart, “The first step to every healthy day is food.” If you start your day out with a great meal, everything else has a much easier time falling into place around it.
If you or your loved one are suffering from any of the previously mentioned issues you may qualify for a Life Settlement. Many seniors qualify for Life Settlements even if they are otherwise healthy or only suffering from “normal” aging problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. A Life Settlement can help pay for medical bills or long-term care. Contact us at 1-800-561-4148 for your completely free Life Settlement consultation, or fill out our simple Life Settlement Qualifier to find out if a Life Settlement is right for you!
