Nine rules for living

Who wouldn’t want to be physically active and mentally alert into their 90’s? Olga Kotelko has been winning track & field medals and setting age group records for decades. In the book, “What makes Olga run?” author Grierson spent a lot of time traveling to meets with Olga, interviewing her and other senior athletes, and taking her to be studied by exercise physiologists. Is it genetics, environment, or a combination?

Grierson provides nine rules, after senior athlete interviews and scientific studies, that seem to promote vitality, longevity and happiness – this is the abbreviated version of those rules;

1.       Keep Moving. Break a sweat, daily and differently and with others. It’s the sweat that’s the big thing. Sure walking or an easy stroll is nice, but the extra effort makes all the difference, mentally and physically.

2.       Create Routines. But sometimes break them.  Commit the mundane parts of life to habit. But don’t get into a rut, try a new routine once in a while. Park in a new spot at work and walk different hallways. The new routine doesn’t have to be life changing.

3.       Be Opportunistic. Figure out the 20% of every task that is most important and put 80% of your effort there. For Olga this meant she mentally and physically geared up for the championship meets and, though giving a lot of effort, saved something in the lesser meets. Spend your precious energy wisely.

4.       Be a Mensch. Kindness used to be an obvious virtue. Being kind is good for you and the other person.

5.       Believe in Something. This isn’t necessarily religious, but people who see life’s dark spots as necessary tasks to get through tend to live longer.

6.       Lighten Up. Figure out how to manage your stress.

7.       Cultivate a Sense of Progress. Move the yardstick if necessary, adjust expectations, then when reached, try to improve a bit more.

8.       Don’t Do It If You Don’t Love It. Yes, even the mild pain after a hard effort is part of the fun, or should be, knowing that you gave your best on that given day.  You may not love it at the first try, or even third, but exercise,  in particular can become addicting and fun!

9.       Begin Now!! You’re a boomer, so what? Haven’t exercised, really exercised, in years? It’s not too late. Olga began track & field in her seventies. You can start now too.