On Mother’s Day I sat and reflected on all the fabulous women that have raised me up into adulthood. As I reflected on these women I realized that I am blessed because so many of my “mothers” cultivated healthy aging and long lives. My god-grandmother was 106 when she passed away.
What are the common threads that created healthy aging into their 80s or 90s and beyond? It was their healthy behaviors.
On my grandmother’s ninety-ninth birthday her friends came over to see her and pray with her. As they were sitting around her bed they were laughing and talking about their childhoods.
Somehow they got into a discussion about having to deliver money to pay the families' bills. They chuckled as they recounted how their moms would give them a nickel to take a cab to go to the corner store a few miles away to pay the bill. They would pocket the money and walk instead.
They grew up walking from necessity but it helped them stay healthy and fit, too.
Even today one of my favorite ladies at 89 walks or takes the bus everywhere. When my grammy was still alive she would walk a mile and half to visit with my grandmother and then walk home after the visit!
In today’s society we marvel at women that live well into old age thinking they have some special gene pool that has prevented them from chronic disease. The truth is they followed the basic principles of health they move their bodies.
There are many benefits walking on a daily basis. Here are just a few:
• It reduces chronic disease like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain.
• It reduces stress.
• It improves sleep.
• It helps with memory.
• It strengthens your immune system.
If you are concerned about healthy aging, consider walking for 20 minutes every day. Not only is it great exercise, you can also do it with friends, family, or your pets.
Such a simple exercise has helped the “mothers” in my family live into their 80s and beyond with minimal medications. I call that a natural cure, for sure!
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Daemon Jones
Dr. Dae's website: www.HealthyDaes.org
Download one of Dr. Dae's books: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living or Stress Relieving Recipes: Using Food to Keep you Calm, @ www.HealthyDaes.org
Dr. Dae's Bio:
Dr. Daemon Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who treats patients all over the country using Skype and phone visits. She helps her patients cultivate health and feel great, using a combination of safe and effective naturopathic and conventional methods.
Sources:
"Healthy Aging." NIHSeniorHealth Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2013.
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/category/healthyaging.html
"Healthy Aging: MedlinePlus." National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2013.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthyaging.html
"Healthy aging - MayoClinic.com." Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2013.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-aging/MY00374
Oz, Mehmet C., MD, Michael F. Roizen, and MD. "Walking Benefits - Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen on Benefits of Walking - RealAge." RealAge: Health Assessments & Tips, Health Information - Grow Younger. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 May 2013.
http://www.realage.com/walking/walking-benefits
Reviewed May 15, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith