I have always been impressed with good health. It is a concept; however, that is now escaping modern man. “The evolution of fitness over the centuries and the different facets present in our modern physical culture … (ask the question): what have we lost, and what have we gained? Obviously, much good has come out of these recent developments: there’s widespread awareness of the importance of regular exercise, nearly every community has a gym where people can work out, and we understand more about how the human body works and responds to physical training than we ever have before.
Yet despite the plethora of health and fitness methods, programs, and resources, the general population has never been so physically sedentary and out-of-shape. A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report indicates that life expectancy in the U.S. dropped for the first time since 1993. The health of modern people is declining, despite highly advanced medical technologies, and in spite of the thriving health and fitness industry.” (1)
The answer obviously lies in the fact that we are no longer appreciate the human body as the temple and gift from the cosmos that it should be. The gauntlet must surely be thrown at the feet of modern technology – in short, the Internet. This is not a localized problem but a worldwide phenomenon. “Obesity is now a growing phenomenon in just about every corner of the world, in poor and rich countries alike.”(2)
There are three distinct phases or domains to good health. The first is physical well being, and, as we have just seen, it appears to be in the descendent. At some point, you must simply give up or greatly moderate your consumption of food, alcohol, drugs (alcohol being the most pernicious drug), promiscuity and lack of sleep. This will greatly increase your odds of good health in the future. As an Indian doctor once said to me: “The body is like an old Mercedes Benz: as it gets older – keep changing the oil, changing the headlights, and changing the tires. Then it will run for 500,000 kilometers.” The second could be called psychological health. You must believe that you are a valued member of the human family and you have something worthwhile and important to contribute to society. You are unique. There is no one like you: there never has been and there never will be. But, you must labor to open the door to your gifts. Much like any treasure chest, it must be opened to see its glittering jewels. The third is your spiritual health. Have you come to terms with God and your place in the cosmos – your immortality or lack thereof? Those that suffer with the blackness of death obviously are not comfortable with their religious views for whatever reason. In my estimation, the bitterness in most people in later life is a direct result of this confusion.
It is important; therefore, as we age chronologically, that we keep these three areas in balance. There is no reason to believe that agedness is a blight. You can maintain your good health until your physical demise with a prayer, a positive view on life and exercise. The great playwright George Bernard Shaw (3) leaves us with a thought: We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.
A closing thought: I had an interesting experience recently. I got on a bus and a young woman got up to let me sit down. I politely demurred, but I had two quick reflections. Firstly, young people can also be very polite and secondly, “Why did she get up when I am only 30 years old?”
To sum up: This week we spoke about aging and how it is up to each of us to protect it. Overall society, and especially young people, need their grandfathers’ (and grandmothers’) contributions.
To be noted: To be clever enough to get a great deal of money, one must be stupid enough to want it.
Just for fun: The Best of Paganini
For reflection: Voltaire
This week on your joyous walk, please reflect on the beauty around you.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful
Quote: We are fortunate each and every day to be given a renewed gift of life.
Footnotes:
1) The History of Physical Fitness
2) Obesity now kills more people worldwide than car crashes, terror attacks, and Alzheimer’s combined