IT’S JUST OLD AGE …. OR IS IT ?
Are we educated to plan and provide for our future from a very early age?
Perhaps some of us saved pocket money for our first prized possession, thought about what we wanted to be when we grew up and started making choices, usually about education, that would give us the qualifications that we needed to become that person. Around that time we also unconsciously started noticing older people who became valuable role models. Perhaps you can recall someone in your childhood days who was significant in some way.
As we grew older people came into our lives who we wanted to take care of. So either for ourselves, for them, or for both, we planned for the future and things such as insurance, superannuation and perhaps even a home, business or investment property crept into our lives. We often worked hard to accumulate the things that we needed to ensure a comfortable retirement and to provide a safe and comfortable life for ourselves and our loved ones. We secured our future. Or so we thought.
Fast-forward a few years to now. Do you recall that significant someone who was a role model for you in your childhood? Where are they now and what are they doing? More importantly, how are they doing health-wise? They may be doing very well indeed. Or they may not be doing very well.
Look around. Look around at other people you know from your childhood and notice how they are doing. Not what they are doing, how they are doing. Not their insurance, relationships, homes, businesses, investment properties, superannuation policies or other possessions that they have so well-deservedly accumulated. How are they doing health-wise?
Fast-forward a few years. Where will you be and what will you be doing? More importantly, how will you be doing health-wise?
As you look around, notice that as people get older they start accumulating more than possessions and financial security. They start accumulating a dis-harmony or dis-ease in their bodies. This dis-harmony or dis-ease may begin in small ways that are barely noticeable. Perhaps a little stiffness in the joints, sensitivities, food intolerances, or rashes on the skin. Or ways that are more noticeable and have a greater impact on quality of life. Digestive problems, arthritis, heart conditions, diabetes, cancer.
“It’s just old age” they say with a heroic stoicism, proudly wearing the medals of their hard-fought battles and life’s achievements. Yes, just old age. Something that is our heritage, to be expected and accepted without question. Or is it?
What if our parents, our parents’ parents, or our parents’ parents’ parents had the same conditions. “It’s in my genes”. Yes, right, great. That means we don’t have to do anything about it. Fait accompli. We’re off the hook.
Is that right? I don’t think so. We’re not really off the hook. Research has shown, beyond doubt, that lifestyle and nutrition determine which genes are actually activated in our lifetime. That means that if we choose to, we can actually achieve the health and well-being that we intend for our life. And enjoy a long, healthy, vibrant and energetic retirement.
So preparing for our future can include activating and maintaining an insurance policy for our health. It doesn’t cost $$ every month, just awareness, commitment and a willingness to make a few changes.
It’s pretty simple really. Put the good stuff in, get the bad stuff out, move, breathe and be happy. If you’re interested there will be a few blogs on specific components of this philosophy together with useful links for more information.
If you have a specific concern or question, you can email me using the box on the side, or email direct to holistichealthmelb@bigpond.com
Acknowledgements:
Photographs courtesy of Renee Wigley, Deans Marsh Art Studio