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A Look at 66

In this episode (166) - A Look at 66 . . .

Can you believe it's the middle of August already? School is just around the corner, and summer is coming to an end; this year, the 2022 Sierra adventure is in September. And - this week, I'm looking at 66. You're thinking, well, as another year slips by, we're wiser, stronger, pondering retirement, and developing a plan to stay active. The fleeting reality of time.

However, staying active when you retire is not just turning on a switch. An active lifestyle depends on foundational health habits built over many years to transport yourself physically into the future. My exercise program has always included bicycling, hiking, stretching, and daily walks to keep myself fit. But we're all destined to face that reality - as you age, you cannot do what you did as little as five years ago.

For example, reading old blog posts, I realized my last Sierra wilderness backpack trip was five years ago.

How is that possible?

In hindsight, I'm thankful I've diligently documented my adventures. On the Fly provides a glimpse through the "time portal" to events and activities that have filled my life with adventure, friendship, love, and immense joy! Oh, by the way, if you enjoyed last week's podcast - A Bear Sighting, for more, search my blog for Sierra Reflections.

Why five years ago? Well, just short of making excuses, when you reach the north side of 60, it's easy to land unexpectedly on the injured list. In 2021 I overextended my knee and spent the summer in pain, limping around the house; going to the Sierras was out of the question.

Rehabilitation took about eight months. I replaced my running shoes, fitted them with custom insoles, and cut back on my walking distance. Recovery at this age is a slow process. Just when I thought, great, my knee is back to normal - loading bicycles in the bed of our truck, I injured my rotator cuff.

Oh, brother, what's next?

So, I went to the chiropractor to check my posture and balance. Yes, I was a mess, completely out of balance.

Then to the doctor for a complete physical.

"You're responding well to the medication; your cholesterol is down. Is there anything you want to bring up?"

"I did something to my shoulder, and I have this sharp pain when I lift my arm."

"Looks like you damaged your rotator cuff."

He instructed me, "Do you have a large rubber stretch band? Hold your arms about shoulder height, and slowly extend and release the band. Three sets of 15 should do it. These exercises will restore your shoulders' strength and help heal your rotator cuff."

My friends, you don't appreciate how much you take your health for granted until something disrupts it.

Why am I telling you all of this? To remind you and me to practice this fundamental truth from Zig Ziglar, "When you do the things you need to do when you need to do them, the day will come when you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them."

Time marches on - that's the reality. Don't let your age be your excuse for not challenging yourself daily to scale your mountain!

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. I'll see you in the next episode.

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