I often get ideas for blog posts while riding my bicycle and today was no exception. While I got in 15 miles this morning in chilly (28F) Chicago, I was thinking about how happy and lucky I am to be enjoying such good health on my 75th birthday. I can honestly say that although retired for 15 years, I am healthier and happier than I was 20 years ago when I was in the midst of an active and exciting career.
A friend of mine decorated this shot of me and Gabi last year for my birthday.
One of the main reasons I feel like I have things so together is this blog. I started writing it in March of 2010 with a partner who has since left for other pursuits. From the beginning, I discovered a focus. At first it was simply trying to keep my weight down. I learned portion control and serving size. This Italian guy was surprised to learn that a “serving” of pasta was not a 10 inch plate heaped with spaghetti noodles smothered in tomato sauce. No, a serving of pasta is about the size of a baseball. Incredibly, that was a revelation to me. But I learned and began to reduce my portions accordingly. I am not going to recount all the lessons I learned in the past nearly five years, but if you want to get control of your weight, check out my Page – How to Lose Weight – and Keep it Off.
Regular readers know that the blog now covers a far broader scope than just losing weight. That is a simple problem easily dealt with once you put your mind to it. I have expanded the purview to include the understanding that healthy eating is healthy aging. And, if you do it right, you can live a long, healthy and happy life with your mental faculties intact the whole way. I have both Alzheimer’s and dementia in my family, so my brain continuing to work is something I am very concerned about. I am proud to say that I have one of the few blogs that ties exercise to a healthy brain. Check out my Page – Important Facts About Your Brain – and Exercise to learn more.
I’m sorry if the following paragraph is going to sound like bragging; that is not my intention. I just want to document that I not only talk the talk, but I walk the walk. My resting heart rate is under 50. My cholesterol under 200; the HDL (the good cholesterol) is around 85. I am 5 feet 9-1/2 inches tall (vs 5 feet 11 inches 10 years ago). I weigh just under 155 pounds and have a 32 inch waist. That is about the same as when I was a senior in high school in 1957. At present I take no medication except Flomax for my prostate.
I wanted to share this information with you because so many people I run into who are in their late 50’s and 60’s seem to be giving up on their health and conditioning. They act like it’s over. The phrase ‘I’m gettin’ old’ bubbles out of their mouths regularly. A lot of the posts I write for this blog are meant to demonstrate that by focusing on your eating and making sure you get adequate exercise you can continue to enjoy yourself for many more years.
It’s up to you now. I have to go get ready. My girlfriend is taking me out for a fancy dinner tonight.
I wish you all good luck!
Tony
Postscript: Since I mentioned my birthday dinner, I thought I would share the following with you. Here is a link for the restaurant – 16 at Trump Tower. This may have been the first Michelin graded restaurant I ever dined in.
Below is a shot of the first course, Laugoustine in its shell with Seville Orange, pine nuts, Avocado and Chorizo. It tasted as beautiful as it looks.
Life is good.
This was the cheese cart at the end.
Wellness Secrets of a SuperAger 
Happy Birthday! I hope to be like you at 75. You are an inspiration!
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Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts …. I swear anyone can do it. It’s a one day at a time deal.
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You are welcome! It is much better to be positive. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Travels with Mary and commented:
Inspiring! You are Never to old to be in shape!
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Great post Tony, and thanks for providing inspiration to stay healthy at every age. I think it’s amazing how much more control we have over the rate of our ageing than we once thought. Even with things like Alzheimer’s – since it’s started being called Diabetes 3, I fear it less, and see again the strong link between disease and diet which is reassuring in the sense that we can take action (vs. the outdated mode of thinking that disease just inevitably hits us as we age). Have a great dinner!
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Thank you so much for the kind words, Laura. I think everyone can see that I am just a regular guy who pays attention to his health. Anyone can do it. I agree completely with you about the mode of thinking that disease inevitably hits us as we age. I see it all the time. If we get out in front of it and take responsibility for our lives and bodies, we can go far and last long. BTW, I was not aware that Alzheimer’s is now called Diabetes 3. I took care of my aunt who had Alzheimer’s for the last six years of her life. I believe it is terminal and lasts six to eight years tops. It is a scourge on the person and moreso on anyone who loves that person. I saw my aunt go from a sweet kind of ditsy old lady to an utter vegetable unable to literally lift a finger. She was 95 when she died.
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A big Happy Birthday to you Tony! Keep going! You have the ability to live and love life, and that is what keeps you young.
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Many thanks for your kind words and wishes.
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Many thanks, Bob! I feel like I am paying for my old age one bike ride at a time.
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I am sure you are. I have a 1oo miler for MS coming up this summer with a buddy that is 70 and just had a pacemaker put in. As I said though, at least you make the effort. I am proud of you for that and admire you sir.
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Many thanks! Much appreciated!
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Happy birthday!
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Thanks, Charlotte!
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Glad everything is working so well for you, a positive attitude will always work wonders…
L’il Bro
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Thanks, Mike. You’re doing a great job of it, too, being only 3 years younger.
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Happy Birthday, Tony! Thanks for being an inspiration to me.
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Thank you, Cynthia. I appreciate your kind words. I am happy if I have inspired you, but never forget, I am a regular guy writing about diet, exercise and living longer. Like everything, this is a one day at a time project. Best of luck with your weight loss efforts!
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Happy Birthday, Tony! Never stop!
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Thanks, Jim! Much appreciated.
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