Pipestone Flyer
Vol 15. Issue 10, Leduc - Wetaskiwin Pipestone Flyer
Canadians are spoiled, many would say, we have oil and gas, we have a world-class education system, rich soil, a highly respected global reputation, and one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Our lifestyles are grand, it must appear to many, no shortage of food, we drive nice vehicles, sometimes two or three, and we are free to pursue whatever dreams we might have. All sounds pretty good, but there is a downside to the 'good life' and its killing us.
Our society has created a sedentary people. Generally speaking, a good portion of us sit at a desk every day, every week, all year long. Need to go to the corner store? Hop in the car. Need to get to the third floor...wait for the elevator. Our obesity rates keep climbing - statistics vary, but not much, stating up to half of all men, women, and children are overweight, and many undernourished. Always in a hurry, our busy lifestyles lend to eating too much fast food too much of the time. When the work day is done, ahhhhh, we can go home and sit some more in front of the television.
We have a lot to learn from our seniors. They hold the key to living a long and healthy life, because they know the value of staying active. Back in their day, more common than not, a day's work was one of intense physical labor. Clothes were not washed at the touch of a button and fields were not plowed with air conditioned, surround-sound, million dollar tractors. They would have laughed at the thought of paying 'hard-earned money' to go to a gym to walk on the treadmill.
I know a beautiful lady who will be turning 95 next month and never misses a Saturday night at the local Legion selling tickets. And while she's there, she often dances the feet off of a partner or two. I know another woman, 87, who walks daily, in rain, sun, or snowstorm.
And I know a man, dear to my heart, 73 years old, who thinks nothing of walking miles around his property, repairing fences, chopping wood, building, fixing, inventing...always on the move.
The human body can be compared to a river. When the water (blood) runs fast, it runs clear. Stop the movement and the sitting pond (the body) will begin to sludge up. Staying active not only prevents 'inside sludge', it keeps the mind clear, the circulation moving, and the heart strong. The body is designed to be used and rebels when lack of activity starts creating a sludge pit.
The more we age, the more important it is to stay active.