There are few things people hate more than old people rattling on about their health status and various ailments. Amirite? Well, I know I felt that way — that is, until I started getting older myself and realized that maybe there was some value to such talk, and that younger people can learn from the experiences of their elders.
I’m not a fitness or health “nut” by any stretch. I’m solidly average, you could say. Despite that, I’ve been blessed with pretty good genes and health indicators (LDL levels, blood pressure, etc.) But the rigors of age do have a way of catching up with you.
A recent blood chemistry panel revealed some concerns about my kidney function — in particular, higher levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Fortunately, the situation was largely in my own hands.
I made a concerted effort to eat a more balanced diet, i.e. more fruits, vegetables and fiber, and a little less meat (I’m a big-time carnivore, but I probably overdo it). I became better hydrated by drinking more water and cutting back on some of the other diuretics. Well, lo and behold: After several days and a retest, my blood serum levels had decreased to within a much healthier range.
It’s only one small example involving only one person, but it’s a pretty vivid illustration of the connections between what we consume and our health. So it’s never too late to eat a healthier diet. But the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be.
Maybe a little wisdom really does come with age!