Efforts to keep healthy/living

I've always maintained a fit and healthy lifestyle then along came my auto immune condition which has tried it's best to bump me off but I'm still winning so far. I have never smoked and don't drink haven't since my 20's and have always eaten healthily. I can no longer exercise due to my disintegrating joints, I can barely move but on the upside I'm never ill. I don't get colds and flu nor any of the bugs going around, I'm teflon coated where such things are concerned so it's swings and roundabouts.

DH and I take Vitamin C daily. Also Omega 3 Fish Oils which I believe keeps my arthritic fingers from seizing up entirely.
I read recently that Tumeric and Black Pepper capsules taken daily help with brain function and memory loss (some University in California did a trial).
Might get some .

I think genetic inheritance and up bringing comes into it as well. I come from a healthy and long lived family who have had very positive attitudes to life and looking after themselves. I have always been proactive about my life and looking after myself and I think a lot of that is neture and nurture.. DH comes from genetically less robust stock, but also doesn't make much effort to look after himself either, mainly because he can be very 'glass half empty' in his approach to life. Again a combination of nature and nurture.

to you too Gonegirl.

I forgot to mention my digestive problems. Acid reflux, probably caused by my collapsed shape.

I really thought I would have an easy old age. But at least mine are little nigglings things. Nothing major (touch wood) like some have.

I guess I'm really very lucky.

I walk every day with my dog and that's about it. I dislike gyms and organised activity. I do think it is important to keep active and interested. A positive mind is the most important asset. My mother was physically fit well into her 80s. My grandmother self-medicated with Guinness and that kept her fit and active until she was 84, without any other medication. I think a lot of it is in our genes.
I do think that running is bad for the joints and spine, from what I can observe. But keep moving is the key!

Well done Merlotgran - I too decided 3 years ago that if I wanted to remain fit and well I would have to be proactive rather than the couch potato I have an inclination to be!
So I joined a gym (it helps that the manager is drop dead gorgeous so I just gaze at him while I trot along on the treadmill- I’ve got handbags older than him but never mind!)
I also do a minute plank most mornings as I had a horrendous bad back a year ago and that seems to keep it in line - anything is better than taking strong painkillers and hobbling with a stick. I’m only 63 and I felt so old....!

I also slather anti-bacterial gel on my hands whenever I go out so that there’s less chance of catching someone else’s cold (use sleeve or scarf to open doors in shops etc) and try to eat a varied diet (all the colours) mostly cooked from scratch.

Unlike my husband I’ve been blessed with good health but I’m scared of being ill/infirm as I head into the last third of my innings so any small gradual improvements I can make are going to pay dividends- I hope!

I too try to eat healthly and did regular exercises. i would run three times a week doing 3miles each time.Once i could no longer do that i did aerobics 3 times weekly along with walking everywhere i could, playing outdoor bowl 2 to 3 times per week, and looking after a large garden.I have problems with the discs in my spine, now i think i have a hip issue too, and my knuckles in my fingers are mishapen with it and also my poor toes. I am just 66 and dread to think how it will be in another few years. I do wonder if it was worth it or did i cause the arthritis to be come worse by doing all those exercise.

Mine's a positive post. I decided about three years ago to make some drastic changes to our lifestyle and if they didn't work, nothing lost.

Gluten free diet sorted IBS within a week and gradually my arthritic knees improved.

Two stone weight loss (with more to come off) also helped my knees so much I don't have any pain at all now.

Weight loss also helped my self esteem (new clothes) and spending hours outdoors gardening keeps my mood in a good place.

We have a mainly vegetarian diet but eat chicken and fish.

Supplements in the winter months include echinacea to help boost the immune system and ward off the lurgy, multi-vits and cod liver oil capsules.

So far, so good. Not smug......my fingers are always crossed because DH doesn't half like to scare the living daylights out of me with his health scares.

I don't take anything for granted though.

Shysal

I feel much like Gonegirl does. I have always tried to keep healthy, eating sensibly and exercising several times a week and was proud not to need any medication. Unfortunately along came my seventies and I suffered from Polymyalgia Rheumatica followed by Rheumatoid Arthritis, which I am stuck with for the rest of my life. I still try to keep moving but it is painful sometimes and I rely on a large bag full of tablets each month including steroids which have caused me to pile on extra weight which I am trying to lose.
Getting old is no fun!

I started going to the gym when I reached 41, it has done as much for my mental health as my physical health.

I'm sure you will get some more positive responses soon overthehill. Ignore me.

I have always lived a fairly healthy life. Was never overweight until a bit of weight gain after the menopause. I have always excersied, long walks, cycling, exercise bike.

It hasn't made the slightest bit of difference. Now, at 77, I feel completely knackered. My spine feels as if it won't support my body which makes me puff and blow. I get bad backache. I feel as though I am totally running out of time.

What will be, will be. Doesn't make a bit of difference how well you prepare for older age. It hits you like a brick, and it's a bugger.

Sorry to be defeatist.