My father has not exercised in more than 30 years! After he retired at the age of 65, as I stated in my blog he is now 93 years young, he went from being a machinist putting parts together for typewriters to a recliner. There he would spend most of the day watching TV and reading or filling out his crossword puzzles. I am thankful that he is a reader and loved doing crossword puzzles because it kept his mind occupied and sharp! And, I love to read as well so I know I picked this up from him.
While I am certainly not the poster child for being in shape -- we won't even go there right now -- I know how important it is to be able to have the flexibility and independence as you get older. At this point, he cannot walk by himself or use a walker unless two of us are assisting him. His mind is determined and, little by little, his body is aligning up with that. He has come a long way from where he was in February when he had his surgery. I realize that he has lost a lot of modesty and has had to rely on others to take care of him. I don't wish this on your parents! Please talk with them and encourage them to Exercise so that they may continue to be independent into their later years. Now could be the time to take up Golf or to improve their game or Pilates to relief stiffness and back and joint pain. Today is the day. Remember that we are not promised tomorrow.
Anita C. Johnson
