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The choices we make and the actions we take regarding physical activity, diet, social and family engagements, and remaining mentally alert can significantly improve the quality of our lives as we age. We are all vibrant by nature, but we lose vibrancy because of benign self-neglect. Choosing to be vibrant is not merely a great virtue but also a prerequisite for ageing gracefully. Consider your efforts for good health as the best investment for yourself.

A Jolt Sets Me on the Right Path

In the mid-90s, I failed a treadmill test and was grimly urged by doctors to rush into testing and likely invasive treatment. I did an angiograph and while still groggy from anaesthesia, I heard the doctors say that it was not very serious. I had a condition called a myocardial bridge that only required care and acceptance that I would not be able to do strenuous exercising. Running and cycling on mountains were beyond me.

There is something about a limitation that irks me. While being circumspect, I soon found the answers to cycling with my buddies on the mountains and running the half marathon.

There is a silver lining in any set back. The jolt of a heart disease led me to understand and equip myself to make the lifestyle changes that would keep me safe and more than reasonably active. Dr Dean Ornish’s book, On Reversing Heart Disease, laid the foundation for greater care and an approach to life that was measured and long-term in its outlook. I strove to lead a balanced life with programmes to manage physical fitness, diet, sleep, stress management, social engagement. These measures are equally beneficial for a healthy heart and a healthy mind.

Lead a Balanced Life for Mental Health

We know that cognitive functioning, the ability to perform various mental activities diminishes with age. However, this can be offset by a holistic approach to managing physical activity, diet, proper sleep, social and mental activity.

To be continued....