The Macintosh operating system contains a subprogram called
"Time Machine" that allows you to reset your status to any previously
saved state. Provided that you have designated a location for backups, you can literally
go back in time and recover documents, directories, and applications you may
have overwritten, deleted, or otherwise lost. "Time Machine" is a
marvelous productivity tool that permits us to recover from our mistakes.
Wouldn't it be wonderful
if we had a similar "Time Machine" that would enable us to recover
our lost good health? The very good news is that we do.
In fact, you don't have to be a real-life character in an H.G.
Well's fantasy tale to be able to achieve a certain degree of metaphorical time
travel. You may recall the slogan, "50 is the new 30," which spread
quickly through worldwide media outlets about 10 years ago. The notion that
"60 is the new 40" soon followed. Surprisingly, unlike most sound
bites that spread effortlessly along social media channels, these hopeful
phrases actually contained meaningful content. Age 50 and age 60 could, in
numerous respects, really be the new 30 and 40.
But not everyone is willing to do what it takes to either slow
down time's relentless ticking or to turn back the clock. Real time, that is,
your personal time, and real effort are required to achieve the goal of
prolonged good health. People age 50, 60, 70, and more-than-80 can enjoy the
physical capabilities (mostly), the mental sharpness, and the appearance
(within reason) that we used to think belonged only to persons 20 or more years
younger.
The price of admission to
such a process is continuously engaging in the inner workings of the time
machine that is available to each of us. We activate and maintain the operation
of this "relativistic" system by eating a healthy diet, doing
vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes five times a week, and getting
sufficient rest on a regular basis, which for most of us means 7 or more hours
of sleep per night.
Upon being told of these requirements for good health, many
people will push back. "I don't have the time" is the primary reply.
Of course, one is free not to eat right. One is free not to exercise. But the
results of not following-through on these action steps are profound. Heart
disease, diabetes, and obesity are the primary outcomes of not engaging in
health-promoting behaviors.
Interestingly, many people are aware that failing to participate
in healthy activities will lead to cardiovascular disease and related
disorders. Obviously, mere awareness is not sufficient. What is required is an
active choice. If we desire to gain the benefits of our personal time machine
we must be willing to pay the price of time.
References:
Phillips C, et al: Neuroprotective
effects of physical activity on the brain: a closer look at trophic factor
signaling. Front Cell Neurosci 8:170, 2014
Lee JS, et al: Effects of 8-week
combined training on body composition, isokinetic strength, and cardiovascular
disease risk factors in older women. Aging Clin Exp Res 2014 Jul 6. [Epub ahead
of print]
Erickson KI, et al: Physical
activity, fitness, and gray matter volume. Neurobiol Aging 35S2:S20-S28, 2014
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