When we are asked how old we are, it gives reference to how long we have been existing from birth, it is straightforward, cut, and dry. However, when you are asked how you feel from a physical standpoint, it is referring to your biological condition or constitution, which can be positive or negative from a health standpoint. So, my question to you, what is your preference of physical measure? In a recent episode, a 91-year-old active athlete told me he does not feel his chronological age. Why? And in this blog, we will examine the dichotomy between chronology and biology, which I find fascinating. My guest, at the age of 61, began his training as a track and field sprinter and after so many awards authored the book, A Sprint to The Gold: How I Won the National Senior Olympics Without a Coach or Trainer. And now at the age of 91, he is still competing across the country and winning one award after another. I was compelled to ask him the basis of his motivation, and the crux of his success is, he derives immense enjoyment in competing as a sprinter. The operative word here is (enjoyment).
I am certain we have met individuals whose age astonished you because they appeared much older or younger than their chronological age, looks can be so deceiving from their consecutive measure. Why is there a significant difference? There is incontrovertible research that much of how we age is influenced by our DNA, therefore, beyond our control. But research also shows aging can be impacted by external factors, including daily diet, daily physical activity, stress factors, unhealthy vices, sleeping habits, our surrounding environment where we work and reside. Biological age or how we look, and feel is impacted by these things and more, and experts say the condition of our DNA (genetic material) mirrors all these factors. I am beginning to wonder, because of lifestyle, since biological age is affected negatively by those adverse factors, such as opening ourselves to developing diabetes or other diseases, or how soon we will expire, someday biological age may become the most important number on your medical chart. To echo what my guest said to me, "I don't feel 91." Obviously, then, we have a degree of control over our biological aging and can even get "younger" by making positive healthy lifestyle changes. If we want to lower our biological age, we have several options. And there are the same options we have heard forever about how to promote good health, and it is true, what we eat is what we are. Of course, you should always consult your healthcare provider before making significant changes in your diet. They can assist you to determine what is best based on your entire medical history, and current medication. Studies of diet and biological age have shown that the optimal diet is low in calories, plant-based, high in fish of which the Mediterranean diet encompasses, it does not mean you have to wear the Mediterranean Tarboush hat, but this type of diet contains many anti-inflammatory properties thus mitigating the culprit of many diseases. Often, we speak of what to eat, however, it is also good to remind ourselves to stay away from highly processed foods of which I have a special guest that will reveal little known facts of the food industry since the 1980s, stay tuned. Scientific research on biological aging has discovered a relationship between higher activity levels and lower biological age. Do you remember the operative word? Enjoyment! Without numerating physical activity, we can participate in, let us just say, find something you enjoy, you are adroit enough to determine what may fit your manner of living. However, set yourself up for success by going shopping! Yes, that is right! Dressing yourself with clothes just for your physical activity, whatever it may be, will prepare your mindset to motivate you, and wearing something that makes you feel great will establish a cheerful outlook, dress the part for performance, dress to kill. Focus on how often you are active, and not about getting a standing ovation on performance. On those drab days when you may not want to do much are the days that you should push yourself, you will not have any regrets. Again, studies have shown that physical activity will enhance your mood. So go around the block for a walk and reap the benefits of movement. Let us be honest and ask ourselves, "what are my sleeping habits? Undeniably, poor sleep quality has a bad repercussion on our health and longevity, and it also contributes to something we do not want, increased biological age. Grownups should get a minimum of seven hours of sleep every night, however, many of us do not. Possibly because of our lifestyle or a sleep disorder. The nature of our Sleep quality is consequential when it comes to our biological well-being of which at the end of the day it can diminish or lengthen longevity. Allow me to fill you in on something I have recently implemented to receive the necessary sleep. I am astounded how well it works, at least for me. This is a military sleep method that was utilized during World War II by soldiers to fall asleep within (two minutes) for the sake of clarity of mind and performance. Can you imagine trying to sleep under such circumstances? Here is how it works: Begin by consciously relaxing your entire face, your foreheads, your eyelids, your jaw, and tongue, just do not let your tongue hang out. Ease your shoulders and proceed with your hands, drop them to either side of your body and breathe deeply to unwind. Afterwards, progressively relax your legs, beginning with your thighs and then your calves, ankles, and feet. Clear your mind for a few seconds by visualizing a calm scene, like watching the perpetual rolling waves on the beach or swinging in a hammock. Make sure to be in a dark room and When thoughts come up, do not hold on to them, just let them come and go. Apparently, this exercise induces the hormone known as melatonin, a natural compound produced by the brain that is secreted into the circulatory system which regulates our circadian rhythm, a 24-hour rhythm, much like when chickens begin to roost, or if you want to call yourself a rooster, it is all the same. The benefits of slumber cannot be overly emphasized! It promotes cellular growth and reduces stress hormones, affects the immune system, how much we eat or not, respiration, hypertension or blood pressure and our cardiovascular health. Should I say more? Anecdotally, the sleep exercise employed by soldiers who find themselves in the worse situation that deprives sleep works for me, it is amazing, I urge you to try it. The bottom line, why should we value human life? And why should we do what we can to preserve it? The sanctity and the sacredness of life comes with the idea that human lives are inherently valuable, more valuable than any living organism or any material element there is on this earth.
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