If you believe the statistics on longevity for American men, I’ve only got ten more years on this earth. It doesn’t help that longevity doesn’t run in my family — dad passed away at 48, mom at 64.
Well, when I turned 65 in early February last year, I decided to take advantage of whatever edge the Universe offers. So I went on a health kick and stuck to it.
My original focus was to do 65 pushups in one set, which I accomplished a few months after my 65th birthday. It was torture, but I did it.
Since then, I’ve been focusing on quality over quantity. I now limit my sets to 25 slow, clean, inclined push-ups.
So for the past 15 months I’ve been doing 100 push-ups/day religiously, supplemented by hour-long daily walks up and down the steep hills of Atami Japan.
Below is a David Goggins challenge that took too many failures to achieve. But I did it.
Since last year, I have greatly reduced my alcohol consumption and will continue to do so, although pretty sure I’ll never completely cut out wine; an occasional glass of vino with my pasta dinner is something I am not ready to completely give up!
Well, two weeks ago I decided to go into full-on “beast mode.” I am now doing 200 push-ups/day, 100 squats, and hour-and-a-half walks around town.
And gotta say, I feel fantastic! My body may be 66 years old, but my mind is still a very immature 18. Thankfully, my dear wife is the adult in the family, so she keeps me on the straight and narrow. Most of the time.
I embrace my age, but reserve the right to defy society’s expectations, and I encourage everyone to do the same.
Whatever expectations and limitations society tries to impose on you, defy defy defy!
I may or may not make it past 76, but I plan to go down swinging! What I have going for me is a healthy lifestyle and diet, and a loving support group of family and friends. It really helps to live in Japan, too.
Stay humble, stay motivated, and please be kind to yourself and others.
All the best to all my readers young and old…from your friendly neighborhood curmudgeon!
© Tim Sullivan 2024