2MERRILL

GETTING FIT FASTER

Can you get fit in six minutes per week is good for mice but will it work with men and women?

CLUES TO A LUCID OLD AGE

The greatest fear of aging is not physical incapacity but mental incapacity  If you do not have good mental faculties then you will not be able to function effectively both mentally and physically.  While physical exercise does contribute to good health and is important, mental exercise is even more important.  As we learn to adjust with the aging process, it is remarkable to see how some folks are trim in all capacities late into their 90s.  I have met some remarkable people in our town here.  One batch that always amazed me for their mental capacity were those who deal you a hand of cards. Clues to a lucid old age is about the benefits of playing bridge.  Of course, those active in professions, reading and writing and other mental work (even cross-word puzzles) are also dealing themselves a good hand.

FORMULA FOR LONG LIFE - Shigeaki Hinohara

97 Yr Old Physician's formula for life reported by  Judit Kawaguchi of the Japan Times is a good read for retirees. See what the good doctor says about retirement, it supports our case to have the UN extend the retirement age beyond the ridiculously low tiers of 60 and 62.  The good doctor says: "There is no need to ever retire, but if one must, it should be a lot later than 65."

IAN HIBELL- THE CYCLIST EXTRAORDINARY

An a adventurous man, a determined man, perhaps the only human-being to bicycle across stretches of the world where no man or woman ever attempted.  Ian did not look to breaking records or times. He just wanted to be with nature and feel the earth. He bicycled over 240,000 miles over 40 years until at age 74 a reckless driver struck and killed Ian Hibell. Ian Hibell obituary is a great tribute by the Economist.

FIT NOT FRAIL

Physical Activity Guidelines may be a useful place to visit to learn about facts of aging and extending youth.

HEALTHY LIVING

Bulking purchases from the grocery stores is a great read, particularly if you purchase in bulk from a discount or membership store (Sam's club or Cosco) for example.

PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF EXERCISE

Presidential challenge may be good reading if you are a bicyclist.  Even otherwise, the sense of the message is important to others as well.  Keep moving for a better life, whether that means running, walking, swimming, bicycling or doing other activities. Keep it regular and within age and health limits.

SAVE UP, SAVE TIME

A small study from the University of South Carolina found that walking up one flight of stairs was roughly twice as fast as riding the elevator the same distance; the researchers chalk the difference up to all that time you spend waiting for the elevator to arrive.  So make a habit or hitting the stairs, and you'll worry less about running late (and burn off more of that muffin, you grabbed for breakfast too). In addition, eat you fruits and vegetables, it may give you an extra 14 years to live.

EXERCISING - COLD OR HOT WEATHER

Winter is is full bloom in most of the US with it more severe in some parts of the country.  That does not mean you should hibernate for the winter. Go our and get your exercise to stay in shape throughout the winter.

EVOLUTIONARY FITNESS

I came to hear about Evolutionary fitness and Art de Vany when researching randomness theories. In addition to his intellectual interests (and pursuits), Arthur thinks evolutionary when it comes to fitness (and I agree).