My birthday celebration started Sunday when I went over to my brother Mike’s for dinner. He and his wife prepared a gourmet meal with an entree of lamb chops and spanakopita (made from scratch). My girlfriend and I enjoyed a delicious meal to kick off birthday festivities.
A friend of mine decorated this shot of Gabi and me a while back for my birthday.
I was thinking about how happy and lucky I am to be enjoying such good health on my 76th birthday. I can honestly say that although retired for 16 years, I am healthier and happier than 20 years ago when I was in the midst of an active and exciting career.
Gourmet dinner on Sunday night.
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 put the information to use. I began to reduce my portions accordingly. I am not going to recount all the lessons I learned in the past nearly six years, but if you want to get control of your weight, check out my Page – How to Lose Weight – and Keep it Off.
I am not a giant Minions fan, but thought this was worth sharing.
Regular readers know that the blog now covers a far broader scope than just losing weight. I am convinced that is a simple problem easily dealt with once you put your mind to it. I have expanded the blog’s purview to include the understanding that healthy eating is healthy living and healthy aging. If you do it right, you can live a long, healthy and happy life with your mental faculties intact the whole way. My family has both Alzheimer’s and dementia, so my brain continuing to work is a primary focus. 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 this paragraph sounds 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 9-1/4 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 have weighed in the mid 150’s for five years.
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 appear 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 frequently. 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 years.
My ‘go to’ exercise is riding my bike. I average over 100 miles a week year ’round here in Chicago. Last year it totaled just under 6000 miles.
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
Wellness Secrets of a SuperAger 
Glad I read this, I would like to bee 76 and look and feel as good as you do. happy Birthday
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Thank you kindly. Keep up the good work and I am sure you will.
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Thanks will follow your blog closely for tips
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Happy birthday. I have been in to fitness a long time and always find good advice and inspiration from your blog.
Keep up the good work and God bless.
James
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Many thanks, James. Much appreciated.
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Wow! You are an inspiration to others. Happy Birthday
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Thanks very much.
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I love what your friend did you your photograph Tony…I love Gabi’s party hat! Happy birthday!!!!!
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HI, Joanne! So nice to hear from you! Thanks for sharing that. Nice to get compliments from an artist. Hope all is well with you.
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Congratulations!
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Thanks!
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Thanks for the tips and happy birthday. On 26 Jan 2016 12:50, “One Regular Guy Writing about Food, Exercise and Living Longer” wrote:
> Tony posted: “My birthday celebration started Sunday when I went over to > my brother Mike’s for dinner. He and his wife prepared a gourmet meal with > an entree of lamb chops and spanakopita (made from scratch). My girlfriend > and I enjoyed a delicious meal to kick off bir” >
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Thank you.
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Happy birthday Tony!
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Thanks, Jim!
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A young 76, Never Stop!
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Thanks, Jim!
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Lookin’ good, Tony. Happy birthday and many more !!!
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Thanks, Vinny. Nice to hear from you.
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You’ve been retired for 16 years??! I loved this piece, Tony. Happy birthday and many, many more healthy ones for you, my friend! The spanakopita looks fabulous.
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Thanks so much, Jeanne. Many happy returns to you, too.
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