In this issue I will be writing about my 90 year old Dad’s top tips on living to old age, and finishing off with some Christmas health ideas!
Thank you to those of you who sent me photos of your delicious and nutritious orange soup, it’s lovely to hear how you are enjoying looking after your health from the inside out. If you want the recipe for this vitamin bursting soup please check back to last month’s magazine or drop me an email.
So, what are the secrets of thriving in later years? “Looking after the genes you are given” is the key shared by my Dad. It’s always a great opportunity to learn from others, and this month I looked to my Dad, whose experience in my view trumps my research and education. Nothing can compare to wisdom gleaned over time.
Over the last 90 years – a milestone Dad was fortunate enough to celebrate in November, he has experienced plenty: he was saved from peritonitis, a disease that had previously killed his Grandfather. Dad was saved given the timely development and fortunate access to antibiotics in hospital. He did national service in the army, he studied hard to better himself, and had a long and successful career with the Science and Engineering Research council prior to enjoying retirement with his family.
Dad has seen many developments and changes since 1930: our country joins the European Union (originally as one of only five countries), and now soon to exit 47 years later; the introduction of our amazing NHS, the first desk telephone, programmable computer, video recorder, man on the moon, the internet, financial booms and crashes … I could go on. The progress and challenges he has been party to has likely contributed to who he is: grateful, kind, thoughtful, respectful, positive and an “anything’s possible if you put your mind to it” attitude.
The secrets of thriving into old age according to my 90 year old Dad:
- Look after the genes you’re given! (So my studies of nature vs nurture could have concluded quicker just talking to Dad – the answer is it’s both!)
- Nothing in excess, everything is a balance – food (especially watch the sugary and processed foods), alcohol, smoking, working, partying
- A good routine with sleep
- Always look after your teeth and personal hygiene (Dad has all his own teeth at 90 following an addiction to daily inter dental tooth brushing – I personally think it was to save the pennies on the cost of the hygienist! Dad says it takes time that he didn’t have pre-retirement but he would recommend it!
- Count your blessings. Stay positive and be grateful – don’t sweat the small stuff!
- Laugh – ALOT
- Seizie the opportunities that are available to you. Dad is currently keen for the covid vaccine and after seeing historic diseases such as scarlet fever, diptheria, etc as good as eradicated, he is absolutely in no doubt that COVID 19 will go and hopefully as quick as it come.
Much to Dad’s delight, this month we put the long nights and short days behind us and look forward to longer, hopefully brighter days. Regardless of religion it is nice for everyone to think about the essence of Christmas, the season of goodwill. Kindness in my view isn’t something that should be just for one day or one season, it should be in our DNA. Bringing joy and a smile to others is good for our own soul. Good things can be infectious and smiling is definitely one of them!
Given the nothing in excess advice from Dad, I would urge you to make Christmas a one day of indulgence. There is definitely a knack to forecasting the food and drink treats needed for just one date. The marketeers tune in to our desire for a good deal and there are so many “buy one get one half price” type deals. If you are tempted and are in the fortunate position that you are able, why not buy the deal, get the multiples, and take them to the food bank. Take it before Christmas so you don’t have a moment of weakness and let the over indulgence days drift beyond one!
There are other festive food treats that are good for you in the run up to Christmas to get you in the mood and do your body the power of good: Clementines, satsumas, oranges, cranberries, lemon, lime, cinnamon sticks, ginger. All of these are pretty much fat free, low calorie, and pack a real vitamin punch. I like them in a glass teapot with hot water to make a great water infusion drink. Hot water to start your day and after dinner can really help with your metabolism, digestion, and overall hydration for better skin. You can make it in the mug or I prefer the treat of a glass teapot which for c£30 or less would make a beautiful Christmas gift. There’s something warming and relaxing about watching your natural fruits and spices ferment prior to pouring a cup of goodness.
Despite my love of the water infusion, fruits and vegetables consumed fresh and raw always gives the biggest vitamin and fibre boost. The citrus fruits I list are too good not to be eaten fresh, they are packed with vitamin C, in fact two clementines provides 100% of a women’s daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that can boost your blood antioxidant levels. This may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. Vitamin C can help the body’s natural defences, improve your immune and fight inflammation.
Thanks for reading and if you have any questions, I am happy to answer them privately, or in the next edition. Just email me dianne@rejuvenateathypoxi.co.uk. Previous copies of my health column can be found at www.rejuvenateathypoxi.co.uk
Wishing everyone a peaceful, happy and healthy Christmas as we look forward to 2021.
Best wishes, Dianne x