One thing that seems to help my wife and I sleep better is 3 grams of glycine about 1-2 hours before bed. It’s not a drug, and it’s in some common foods. It’s an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. Do your research. I’m not a doctor, yada yada yada.
I'm 71, and happily at work on strength and balance every day, both at the gym and in the course of my normal life. The genesis for this was the total replacement of my left knee this past March. It's a slow process to get 100% functionality back, but I'm so tickled to be able to walk without pain, and stand at the kitchen counter to prep and cook, and climb stairs like a normal person, it feels like I'm 61 again. My next goal with the new knee is to go squaredancing.
As far as sleep goes: I always told myself I didn't "need" more than 6 hours of sleep a night, but during the pandemic I discovered that my body prefers 7-8 hours of sleep. I have abandoned my sleep macho, and I think my brain and my body are much happier.
That’s a great point, Freda — chair-assisted deep squats are such a smart approach. You’re right, balance really does start with even strength on both sides. Sounds like you’re rebuilding symmetry and stability in a really sustainable way.
Freda, this is awesome. Strength + balance work, pain-free stairs, and a clear goal (square dancing!)—that’s textbook aging well. And yes to ditching the “sleep macho”; 7–8 hours is such a performance booster.
Curious: what one balance drill helped you most post-knee replacement? And please report back after your first square dance!
It’s not a classical balance exercise, but chair-assisted deep squats have helped me a lot. I favored my right side for years while my left was gimpy, but the squatting is helping me reclaim my left side. Can’t have balance when your muscles aren’t balanced, amirite?
I'm curious about the term "aging well" and whether that is an accepted term in the positive aging movement. It strikes me as a either or and implying that if you are not aging well, you are aging sick or aging badly. I prefer to using the Positive Aging banner to inspire all ages to stay sharp, move strong and age boldly. Just curious how other in this community think about the term.
That’s such a great point, Webb. “Positive aging” really captures the idea of embracing every stage of life with intention and strength—without the pressure of doing it “right.” For me, “aging well” means exactly that—it’s not a judgment, just a focus on caring for the body as it changes. Maybe the difference is that “aging well” leans more toward the physical side, while “positive aging” also includes the mindset and emotional side. I love your phrase “age boldly,” too!
I’m 56 and teach gentle yoga for seniors. It’s rewarding work. We focus on balance, mobility and connection. There is a new book out called “Why Brains Need Friends “ that also explains about how important social connection is. I love your Substack. Keep informing us.
That means a lot, Debbie — thank you for the kind words. Your work sounds wonderful; gentle yoga makes such a difference for balance and connection. I’ll have to check out this book — sounds like a great fit for what we talk about here. So glad you’re part of this community.
I try to do all four things each week at 74. I believe weight lifting, yoga and good sleep are important, but in retirement, connections and friendship are key. My wife and I have a great group of friends to work out with, travel and socialize together. Go to a gym, join a local group or find something you’re interested in and you’ll find new friends. You have to put yourself out there, even if you’re shy.
Love this, Don. You nailed it — fitness keeps the body strong, but friendships keep the spirit alive. That mix of lifting, yoga, and connection sounds like the perfect formula. Totally agree: putting yourself out there is the real secret to aging well.
Thousands are chasing longevity through pills and gimmicks. We’re doing it naturally — through fasting, real food, and friendship. Join Everyday Longevity — a free Substack community focused on the science (and simplicity) of living well.❤️ https://john809.substack.com/s/everyday-longevity
Totally agree, John — the simple, natural path always wins. Real food, movement, and friendships beat any “miracle” pill. Love what you’re doing with Everyday Longevity — sounds like a great community.
Thanks for this timely reminder.
One thing that seems to help my wife and I sleep better is 3 grams of glycine about 1-2 hours before bed. It’s not a drug, and it’s in some common foods. It’s an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. Do your research. I’m not a doctor, yada yada yada.
Simple and do-able! Thank you!
Good advice, thanks
I'm 71, and happily at work on strength and balance every day, both at the gym and in the course of my normal life. The genesis for this was the total replacement of my left knee this past March. It's a slow process to get 100% functionality back, but I'm so tickled to be able to walk without pain, and stand at the kitchen counter to prep and cook, and climb stairs like a normal person, it feels like I'm 61 again. My next goal with the new knee is to go squaredancing.
As far as sleep goes: I always told myself I didn't "need" more than 6 hours of sleep a night, but during the pandemic I discovered that my body prefers 7-8 hours of sleep. I have abandoned my sleep macho, and I think my brain and my body are much happier.
That’s a great point, Freda — chair-assisted deep squats are such a smart approach. You’re right, balance really does start with even strength on both sides. Sounds like you’re rebuilding symmetry and stability in a really sustainable way.
Freda, this is awesome. Strength + balance work, pain-free stairs, and a clear goal (square dancing!)—that’s textbook aging well. And yes to ditching the “sleep macho”; 7–8 hours is such a performance booster.
Curious: what one balance drill helped you most post-knee replacement? And please report back after your first square dance!
It’s not a classical balance exercise, but chair-assisted deep squats have helped me a lot. I favored my right side for years while my left was gimpy, but the squatting is helping me reclaim my left side. Can’t have balance when your muscles aren’t balanced, amirite?
I'm curious about the term "aging well" and whether that is an accepted term in the positive aging movement. It strikes me as a either or and implying that if you are not aging well, you are aging sick or aging badly. I prefer to using the Positive Aging banner to inspire all ages to stay sharp, move strong and age boldly. Just curious how other in this community think about the term.
That’s such a great point, Webb. “Positive aging” really captures the idea of embracing every stage of life with intention and strength—without the pressure of doing it “right.” For me, “aging well” means exactly that—it’s not a judgment, just a focus on caring for the body as it changes. Maybe the difference is that “aging well” leans more toward the physical side, while “positive aging” also includes the mindset and emotional side. I love your phrase “age boldly,” too!
I’m 56 and teach gentle yoga for seniors. It’s rewarding work. We focus on balance, mobility and connection. There is a new book out called “Why Brains Need Friends “ that also explains about how important social connection is. I love your Substack. Keep informing us.
That means a lot, Debbie — thank you for the kind words. Your work sounds wonderful; gentle yoga makes such a difference for balance and connection. I’ll have to check out this book — sounds like a great fit for what we talk about here. So glad you’re part of this community.
I try to do all four things each week at 74. I believe weight lifting, yoga and good sleep are important, but in retirement, connections and friendship are key. My wife and I have a great group of friends to work out with, travel and socialize together. Go to a gym, join a local group or find something you’re interested in and you’ll find new friends. You have to put yourself out there, even if you’re shy.
Love this, Don. You nailed it — fitness keeps the body strong, but friendships keep the spirit alive. That mix of lifting, yoga, and connection sounds like the perfect formula. Totally agree: putting yourself out there is the real secret to aging well.
Thousands are chasing longevity through pills and gimmicks. We’re doing it naturally — through fasting, real food, and friendship. Join Everyday Longevity — a free Substack community focused on the science (and simplicity) of living well.❤️ https://john809.substack.com/s/everyday-longevity
Totally agree, John — the simple, natural path always wins. Real food, movement, and friendships beat any “miracle” pill. Love what you’re doing with Everyday Longevity — sounds like a great community.
Appreciate your comments, trying to build community