Living Beyond a Century: A Personal Commitment to Physical Wellness and Family

Living beyond 100 years of age has always been a personal aspiration of mine. Loss and the fragility of life have been my guiding teachers on this transformative journey.

By the tender age of 32, I had experienced the loss of both of my parents – my mother to a stroke before she could celebrate her 46th birthday, and my father to lung cancer shortly after commemorating his 58th. My eldest son was only 7 months old when we lost my mother, and my younger children were never graced with the opportunity to meet her. Although my father had moments with my older kids, the memories are sparse due to the brevity of their time together.

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This personal history, coupled with my lifelong desire to live beyond a century, fuels my unwavering commitment to physical wellness, a crucial component of the 8 dimensions of wellness, each playing a vital role in cultivating a balanced and fulfilling life. The focus on the physical dimension is especially impactful, highlighting the necessity of consistent physical activity, a nutritious diet, and sufficient sleep. The principles witnessed in the Blue Zones – areas where individuals lead exceptionally long, healthy lives well into their 100s – have illuminated the importance of nurturing environments conducive to physical wellness and longevity.

On a recent day, as I prepared for a bike ride, my son’s heartfelt request to stay and play struck a chord, igniting what I call ‘athlete's guilt’ – a conflict between personal aspirations and obligations. This dilemma is not uncommon, especially when the activity appears ‘selfish.’

However, as I rode, a realization emerged – my commitment to physical wellness extends beyond personal benefit and my aspiration to live beyond 100; it’s profoundly for the well-being of my family. While our health is never promised, through mindful efforts, we can positively influence the balance. Inspired by the centenarians in the Blue Zones, thriving through a blend of physical activity, wholesome nutrition, and robust community connections, I am driven by a vision – to be there for my children's significant moments, to hold my grandchildren, and to be free from preventable health constraints.

This journey encompasses more than reaching a destination; it’s about enhancing the quality of the journey itself. I aspire to a life free from unnecessary discomfort, reduced fitness, or poor health, aligning with the lifestyle of those residing in the Blue Zones, where physical wellness is foundational. The bike rides and mountain runs represent my pledge to embrace life’s richness, to be present and able for my family’s journey, and to fulfill my personal aspiration of living beyond 100 years.

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Let’s hold in our hearts that every stride towards wellness, with an emphasis on the physical dimension, is a stride towards a brighter, shared future, resonating with the harmonious equilibrium witnessed in the longevity-abundant Blue Zones.