Paul Bernstein, aka Mr. Physical Fitness USA™ is now 72 years young and reaching for 100+. He shares his views on optimal healthy aging and how he has achieved his remarkable psyche and fitness, even though he is approaching his 8th decade.
I remember that on my 71st birthday, I woke up to the phone ringing. It was sister from Dallas, and as she wished me a happy birthday, I realized the reason for the early morning call. After the conversation, I sat and reflected. What had happened to the time? Many of my closest friends were gone. Too many more are waiting to die. At night we are bombarded with television commercials telling us that we need scooters so that we don’t have to walk too far after a certain age.
This cheery news is followed with another company explaining how they can bury you inexpensively! As if this were not enough to totally depress you, your children get ads from homes that will take their parents off their hands and take care of them so that they don’t have to. “Out of sight; out of mind.”
Then your spouse receives offers in the mail for long-term home health care implying that if you live long enough, you are going to be a liability to her and those around you that may care.
My answer to all of this is to say, “BALONEY!” Actually, what I really said could not be printed here! When I look in the mirror, I see a 21-year old, and I feel that way, too. This 72-year old intends to be young until 100 and then some. If you want to change a few of your life-threatening habits, you can come along and learn that whilst “Aging is inevitable; growing old is optional.”
I make a positive goal daily and the picture you see of me is a current photo. It is how I look now and I know that I can continue to look like this for years to come; in fact I can grow younger as I grow older.
I work out 5 days a week at one of several fitness centers near my home in Houston. Almost every time I go to one of these clubs, I am asked the same question, “What is my secret?” There is no secret formula, it is called knowledge gleaned from 50 years in the fitness industry. Allow me to pass on an abbreviated version of the knowledge that I have gained through my experience and contacts.
When I was born in 1933, one was considered lucky to live to age 65. Hardly anyone lived to see his or her grandchildren grow up. Thank God, I have had the opportunity to see my great-grandchild be born, what’s more I intend to take her through her first workout.
What is the answer to living younger longer? My suggestions follow this introduction. Remember what they always say; “The buck stops here.” It is your responsibility to take charge of your health and learn how to extend your life and improve the quality of your life now and later.
I break down my suggestions into four parts; one-third mental attitude; one-third, exercise and one-third life-style:
Always be good to yourself. Treat yourself to a spa treatment, good skin care, the right diet, activities you enjoy, and a healthy environment. The dividends will be a longer life that is more fun, and your family will love you better for it.
Paul Bernstein, Mr. Physical Fitness, USA™ has been a pioneer in the Health & Fitness Industry for more than 45 years. He has owned many health clubs, written articles, lectured at Senior Seminars, publishes a Health & Fitness Digest, appears on television talk shows, and plays a heavy occasionally in movies.