WHAT A 94-YEAR OLD TAUGHT ME ABOUT WELLNESS!
- Maureen Harrop
- Aug 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Since August is National Wellness month, I thought it would be appropriate for me to share something I learned recently that I found very interesting and enticing!
This 94-year old shared her 5 secrets for longevity of body and mind, without even one drug!
In summary, they are as follows:
16oz of WATER: At night, prepare a glass of water with a pinch of sea salt and or a lemon wedge to replace the water and electrolytes you lost during the night.
10-15 minutes of SUNLIGHT: “Let in the light,” she says! No sunglasses! A“Our body runs on a rhythm - a natural clock - the circadian rhythm that controls over 150 functions in your body’s hormones, digestion, immune health, mood, and how well your body repairs itself overnight. It has to be reset daily. Sunlight can also boost serotonin, the “feel good” chemical in the brain by over 40%, per Stanford & the Univ. of Colorado studies!
BRAIN Game!
(4 minutes)
BRAIN activation: “Brain Fertilizer”
4 New Words: Learn 4 new words: say them aloud; & use each one in a sentence. (Strengthens your “language center!”) (One Minute)
Simple Math: Solve a simple math problem. Keep it easy, but not automatic. (Strengthens your “logical brain!”)
(One Minute)
Recall a Fond Memory, in detail: Close your eyes & recall a fond memory - remember your wedding day, the scent of your mother’s kitchen, your child’s 1st Christmas, etc. Picture it all in minute detail, recall scents, sounds, etc. (Strengthens your “language center!”) (One Minute)
Visualize Your Day: Picture yourself moving through the morning, calm, strong, and joyful. Visualize success! (This boosts your “executive brain” and “emotional resilience!”) (One Minute)
NOTE
(from Physical Therapist for “over-40” clients)
“The stretches you did in your 40s are no longer helping;
in fact, they may be harming. This is why, as we age, our joints lose moisture, our connective tissues become less flexible, and our spine becomes more sensitive to certain types of pressure, and the twisting that worked decades ago can now cause small tears, inflammation, and instability. Yet, movement is still essential. We just have to move smarter, with purpose, with gentleness, and in a sequence that respects our biology.”
INDEPENDENT MOBILITY Game!
(7 minutes)
“Inside-Out Mobility Sequence”
Arm Circles (30 seconds):
Sit upright in a sturdy chair.
Let your arms rest by your sides.
Slowly make small circles forward for 15 seconds;
then backward for 15 seconds.
(This increases circulation in your upper body and warms up stiff shoulder joints.)
Seated Marching (One Minute):
Stay in your chair.
Lift one knee, then the other - like a gentle march. (Go slowly and breathe deeply.)
(This activates your core and brings blood flow to your hips and legs.)
Doorway Chest Expansions (30 seconds)
Stand in a doorway with your hand(s) on either side of the doorway at shoulder height and gently lean forward until you feel a stretch. HOLD for 30 seconds
Supported Squats (One Minute)
Stand in front of a counter, the back of a sturdy chair, sofa, etc., hold on lightly, bend your knees just a little, only as far as comfortable, then return to standing. Repeat slowly for 1 minute.
(This strengthens the thighs and glutes, your strongest muscles - the key to staying independent!)
Seated Ankle Circles (1 minute/each foot)
Sit on sturdy chair, lift one leg, & slowly circle the ankle clockwise for 30 seconds and counterclockwise for 30 seconds.
Do the same for the other ankle. (This improves balance and blood flow to prevent falls!)
CAUTION!
We are all at different stages of recovery, so only do what you can do - safely! If you’re unsure, ask your neuro therapist or physician for advice.
MY CHALLENGE!
I challenge you to try AT LEAST 3 of these ideas for the upcoming
2 weeks!
Will you accept the challenge?!
This is a WORTHWHILE commitment of your time and effort!
I’m definitely going to try this out for two weeks, and I hope you’ll join me! So, I’ll catch up with you in 2 weeks, and see how you’re doing.
I’ll share my results , and I hope you’ll share yours in the “Comments” section on the blog, and/or on Social Media!
BEST OF LUCK & BE CAREFUL!
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