Eat and drink in moderation: tiny tip for a happy, healthy old age

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From Anonymous comes this advice. Four tips leading to a balance of physical, emotional and social life in old age.

Q. Imagine a younger person telling you they want to achieve a happy, healthy old age. Give your very best tip, in 30 words or fewer.
A. Eat and drink in moderation, exercise, smile, and don’t be afraid to tell others that you care.

Q. Why did you choose to share that particular tip?
A. Looking back, I can see more clearly the importance of those activities.

Q. How old are you?
A. Closer to 64 than 75

Q. Did you follow any advice that you were given about achieving a happy, healthy old age?
A. Not sure; I probably internalized some things that I read or that friends/family told me. I often believed advice but wasn’t always able to follow through.

Anonymous’s reply to that last question is pretty interesting and is probably a common experience, I imagine. But hey, if it’s party time in your household, it’s worth remembering the golden rule of moderation.

P.S. In old age, nature helps: my body says loud and clear, No! You cannot handle that extra helping of pudding, and don’t you dare take another glass of wine! Moderation = self-preservation.

16 thoughts on “Eat and drink in moderation: tiny tip for a happy, healthy old age

  1. Sadje says:

    Yes, moderation is self preservation. I never learned to do it till now. Hope to stick to it till the golden age.

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      Good work! Very satisfying:)

      1. Sadje says:

        Thanks!

  2. Betul Erbasi says:

    Good advice! I hope I can integrate them in time.

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      Good luck 🙂

  3. Oh dear, I just ate another (albeit mini) dark cocoa Christmas tart – it was my secret Santa gift from a local party… but, in mitigation, I eschewed the second glass of wine… so cheers, with my cup of tea.

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      Hehe he.

  4. srbottch says:

    And don’t quit ‘working’. Do something that motivates you to get and and get going each day!

  5. Sometimes aging issues (like cholesterol, heartburn or high blood pressure) nudge you along the way. I liked the fact that the commenter internalized advice which may have been incorporated in a way that she wasn’t away. We all do that. An offhand comment simmers under the conscious and bam we change behavior!

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      True, whereas if someone pressures us or guilt us, their advice is rejected..

  6. Elizabeth says:

    Eat everything in moderation except vegetables. Somehow I inherited a love of vegetables from my elders and am very grateful.

  7. Moderation, I believe, is a crucial concept also when it comes to what is considered good habits. Overdoing exercise, or even eating carrots in excess, will cause you harm.

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      You can certainly have more than enough of a good thing–even water:)

  8. Except at Xmas.

  9. gifted50 says:

    Good advice there, I am in the process of getting there.

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      I’m not sure I am although — I see even moderation on a sliding scale

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