Met a lovely 82 year old patient yesterday. I have known him for about 2 years and we both bonded over a love of long distance cycling. He has been a cyclist for the better part of his entire life. We each share stories towards the end of each visit. So it came to no surprise to me when he told me an interesting encounter, that leaves its lessons with the ripples of his words.

 

“ So doc I went to my 65th high school reunion and it was something to behold.”

 

“ Firstly that is amazing that your class is still holding reunions but how so?”

 

“ I have lost many friends to illness but I met several of the guys and they were mostly using walkers or were in wheelchairs. I felt a little odd walking in and meeting them “ he said.

 

“ I am sure that must have felt good.”

 

“ Yes and then I met this one other guy who also was walking without assistance. We started chatting and would you believe I discovered he is as old as I am, and is also a cyclist for the last 60 years ? We both were part of the cycling club “

 

“ I am sure that was rewarding for you to meet and see each others fitness level”

 

“ We both talked about the other guys who are disabled and found out in conversation that most did not exercise consistently. They gave up. We were the only 2 who still have our health and faculties because we have been avid cyclists and enthusiasts. We love biking. “ he proclaimed.

 

Consistent fitness, and habitual measure-able progress are key ingredients to longevity and more over vitality. As I walked back to my office room to do my notes, I could not stop thinking of how his practice of exercise compounded over time, has brought him dividends of good health and I wondered about my own late start in life when I chose to get healthy and what or rather how long the effects will play out for me.

 

Exercise has great cardiovascular benefits, I am going to ( run ) with that theory, mind the pun.

 

……………

 

I love you