It’s been said that the best way to earn $2,000,000 is to take $1,000,000 and invest it safely and wisely – and in a few years you will have $2,000,000. The only problem with that idea is that you must have $1,000,000 in order to implement it.
Similar advice might apply when it comes to achieving good health in older adulthood. While it’s never too late to accrue health benefits that come from quitting smoking, losing excess weight, or starting to exercise, the benefits will be greater if you have begun exercising healthy habits before you enter life’s second half-century. It’s never too early to begin living a healthy lifestyle. Consider it to be the equivalent of entering older adulthood with $1,000,000.
There is so much more that you can do to enjoy life for as long as you live if you live in a healthy and active manner. With good health, you are able to take less medication, live independently longer, and have greater opportunities to spend with children, grandchildren, and other family members. There is also solid evidence that demonstrates the probability (but not the guarantee) that an active exercise program reduces the likelihood of significant cognitive decline as you age.
When a baby is born, s/he starts breathing and s/he starts growing older. Whatever your age may be as you read this, you are in the process of aging. You can take steps to own that process, or you can let the process own you until you become an older adult and decide to play “catch-up”. Unless you’ve had a privileged upbringing, I can guarantee you that it’s easier to develop a healthy lifestyle than it is to earn enough money to invest $1,000,000 dollars and turn it into the second million.
If these ideas resonate with you or if you have something to add from your own experience, I would love to hear your comments. And if you need help to achieve your goals in this regard, I would be glad to have a conversation with you about The Mental Health Gym coaching, courses, and other programs designed to help you age with enthusiasm and become the best version of you.
Contact me at ron.kaiser@TheMentalHealthGym.com.