“We’re experiencing a health care crisis that no one talks about, and it’s not the second wave of the pandemic: We are a nation of couch potatoes, and it’s literally killing us.” James P. Owen, Founder and CIO of the Center for Cowboy Ethics and Leadership and bestselling author of The Try: The Secret to Success in Life and Career, Cowboy Values: Recapturing What America Once Stood For
In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers predicted that nearly half of Americans will be obese by 2030, up from .
Health experts have long known that being physically fit substantially reduces the risk of serious chronic illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, and Americans have much more control over the aging process than we think.
How you age is largely up to you
While you can’t help getting older, you don’t have to get old. It is important that you make wellness a personal priority. Remember that you can take charge of the aging process and make your life the best it can be.
“It’s never too late or too difficult to become healthier, but there are no shortcuts. No matter what shape you’re in or what your physical condition, there is something you can do to lead a healthier, more rewarding life.” James Owen
Healthy living gives you a sense of purpose that can motivate you every day.
With determination, you can slowly and gradually take control of your health, Through a systematic approach, you can begin with daily 10-minute walks, moderate strength-building exercises and eating healthier.
With persistence, your ultimate goal might be to create a body that’s a decade younger than one’s actual age. There is a payoff from regular exercise. Regular and deliberate exercise can really boost your health and confidence.
The motivation can be as simple as to get rid of aches and pains, and develop a mind-set of training one’s body, mind and spirit. Adults, especially older adults, need to take care of themselves in body, mind and spirit.
“Most people think the payoff from regular exercise is physical—look younger, live longer, feel better,” James Owen says. “All that is true, but by far the most profound change I experienced was mental. For example, every time I met a goal I’d set for myself, like going from two pull-ups to three, it was another boost to my confidence. And I’d think, ‘I did it! Now what else can I do?”
“Everybody is going to die someday. The quicker you understand that, the sooner you can get on with the business of living”, Owen explains. Thus, “it’s imperative you prepare for the next phase of life. And, try to ignore all that noise and enjoy life.”
From the book "Cowboy Ethics" by James Owen:
1. Live each day with courage.
2. Take pride in your work.
3. Always finish what you start.
4. Do what has to be done.
5. Be tough, but fair.
6. When you make a promise, keep it.
7. Ride for the brand
(Cont.)— John West 🇺🇲🦅🇺🇲 ✝️ (@John_WyCo_West) October 5, 2019
Make time for your loved ones. You are not promised tomorrow so make the most of today.
At the end of the day family is all you really have. Stay in close contact with siblings and other family members. And if you have been at odds with a family member, make peace with them now. It doesn’t matter how it all started or who was to blame. Carrying grudges is bad for your health and it makes family gatherings like Thanksgiving unpleasant.
Don’t interfere with something that ain’t bothering you. There is no need to elevate your blood pressure any more than you have to over things you can’t control or do anything about.
Live a good honorable life. Then when you get older and think back you’ll enjoy it a second time.
Maintain your health and boost your wealth. Since health is the most important thing here and we’ve all learned just how dangerous to your health COVID can be.
Regardless of your age, it’s important to schedule regular medical and financial checkups to assess where you are and what you may need to change to reach your health and wealth destination.
It is suggested that you develop metrics for your physical fitness; and rather than fear those numbers, welcome a signal that it’s time to switch to a healthier lifestyle or make financial course corrections.
Cherish your memories. Look back and see how far you have come and give yourself a pat on the back. It may not have always gone the way you wanted but if you lived an honorable life and always strived to do the right thing you should feel justly proud.
Staying active and having a positive, youthful attitude builds up resilience to face any health crisis. “With a little creativity and commitment to do something, each of us can find some way to make a difference, however modest …. when we get involved in a personal, hands-on way, it sets up a completely different dynamic: one in which whatever time and energy we give yields a rich dividend in terms of the satisfaction and expanded awareness we get back.” James Owen, Cowboy Values: Recapturing What America Once Stood For (Connecticut: The Lyons Press, 2008)
References:
- https://www.marketwatch.com/story/anyone-can-make-money-this-retired-wall-street-investor-wants-to-motivate-americans-to-get-off-the-couch-2020-09-30
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMsa1909301
- https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/a-cowboys-guide-to-aging
- https://carolynmappleton.com/cowboy-ethics-ten-principles/
- https://theartofagingwell.com/wellness-checklist-a-10-point-survival-guide/