{"id":30337,"date":"2021-07-12T09:17:44","date_gmt":"2021-07-12T16:17:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medfitnetwork.org\/public\/?p=30337"},"modified":"2021-07-06T09:29:55","modified_gmt":"2021-07-06T16:29:55","slug":"mountain-grit-meet-jim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medfitnetwork.org\/public\/all-mfn\/mountain-grit-meet-jim\/","title":{"rendered":"Mountain Grit: Meet Jim"},"content":{"rendered":"

For all you medical fitness professionals out there, meet Jim, 75. Jim exemplifies the mindset towards aging that we all can emulate. <\/span><\/p>\n

From urban to suburban, rural to remote, <\/span>\u2018<\/span>the glass is half-full – so let<\/span>\u2019<\/span>s fill-it-up<\/span>\u2019. <\/span>SPIRIT truly can change the way and the pace at which we age. <\/span><\/p>\n

[Excerpted from The <\/span>Training Corner <\/i>column in the Lone Peak Lookout<\/a>] <\/i>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Q: Hi Pat!\u00a0 I am sick and tired of my family members and friends telling me to slow down.<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I am 75 and in pretty darn good health. I was blessed with some good genes. Both of my very active parents lived well into their 90s. I\u2019ve never gotten fat, and I quit smoking and heavy drinking back in my 20s. I drive my wife crazy because I am one of those ants-in-pants guys who just can\u2019t sit still until the day is done. OK, I have some aches and pains, wear a hearing aid and need glasses just for reading. No big deal!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Right now, I am in the throes of remodeling my daughter\u2019s kitchen. I thrive on projects. They are a challenge, so I am always looking for something to fix. I am also the go-to guy when my neighbors need a helping hand. My true passion is calf-roping, so I mentor and teach the younger dudes. Yeah, I can still do it, but I lost my favorite horse last year, so I coach instead. My wife and I love the outdoors, and enjoy hiking, fly fishing, skate skiing and snow shoeing 1-2X\/week.<\/span><\/p>\n

We do all of our own outdoor maintenance, too. If for some reason, my day is void of physical work or play, I walk for 30 minutes, just to keep the pump pumping.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I did construction all my life, and my back and shoulders act up on occasion. But over the years, I have collected a bag of maintenance tricks from various physical therapists. I have a morning routine of breath-work with tai-chi like moves, and some core preservation exercises. I use that foam roller with the bumps, too, my best friend for about 10 years, now. This regimen seems to work.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pat, am I just plain oblivious to this aging thing? Isn\u2019t the body in motion the best brain and overall health potion? I am confident in my skills and abilities, so why would I slow down?\u00a0 Any suggestions on telling the naysayers <\/span>to put a sock in it<\/span><\/i>?<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim, 75<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Pat’s Answer:<\/strong>\u00a0 Hi Jim!\u00a0 No, you are not oblivious. Yes, a body in motion is the best path to aging<\/a> younger. <\/span>Continue to <\/span>get up and get after it <\/span><\/em>every day<\/em>. You have purpose, passion, meaning and relevance in your life. There is no <\/span>need<\/span><\/i> to slow down. You are thriving at 75, and are inspiring others. Keep up the pace, unless something rocks your competence and confidence. We CAN continue to learn, grow and discover throughout our lifespan, if we avoid ruts, complacency and stagnation. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Here is some ammunition for you:<\/span><\/p>\n