How Consistent Exercise Keeps You Young AGE IS JUST A NUMBER
Correlated to this increase in life expectancy is an overall improvement in a person’s quality of life. People who are 50-plus are enjoying a quality of life that, in many cases, is seamless for them compared to earlier decades. There are several contributing factors, including diet, advances in health care, and other technological improvements, but one of the most important is consistent exercise. If you’re over 50, there are steps you can take to age gracefully — literally! First, remember to warm up. While you may want to start your exercise immediately, take a few moments to stretch your muscles properly.
Another thing you can do is to ensure that your exercise methods are low-impact whenever you can. While you may want to go out and run several miles, approach high- impact exercising with caution. You may feel younger, but your bones and joints continue to age, and the parts of your body that serve as “shock absorbers” for the rest of the skeletal system wear out faster than the rest of your body. The main thing to do to give yourself the best chance of feeling as good as you can in your 50s and 60s is to find a consistent source of activity that you enjoy and keep doing it!
It’s been said that you’re only as old as you feel. If that’s true, then there are plenty of Americans in their 50s and 60s who feel like they’re in their 30s or 40s. As a result, they are enjoying the “prime” of their lives for much longer than generations past. The general life expectancy for Americans has historically trended upward, though COVID-19 introduced the first downward trend in decades. Today, the average life expectancy for men is 73 and for women, 79.
ALBONDIGAS (MEXICAN MEATBALL) SOUP
As a result, it makes sense for each of us to do things we enjoy and be in situations that provide joy in our lives. Evidence suggests we can create that result in our bodies by taking steps to create joy. For example, just smiling can positively impact our physiology. A smile can lower your heart rate, reduce stress, and enhance your mood. So, when you find your joy, you can create and sustain greater overall health. Here’s hoping you find your smile many times today. ... continued from Page 4
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 1 clove garlic, minced • 2 quarts chicken stock or beef stock • 1 quart water • 1/2 cup tomato sauce • 1/2 lb green beans, strings and ends removed, cut into 1-inch pieces • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced • 1/3 cup white rice • 1 lb ground beef • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley • 1 1/2 tsp salt, plus more • 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more • 1 large egg • 1 1/2 cups frozen or fresh peas • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 dash cayenne, optional • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1. Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot (5-quart) over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook a minute more. 2. Add the stock, water, and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the green beans and carrots. 3. In a large bowl, mix the uncooked rice, meat, parsley, salt, pepper, and egg. 4. Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs. 5. Gently add the meatballs to the simmering soup, one at a time. Cover and let simmer for 25 minutes. 6. Add peas and simmer for 5 minutes more. 7. Season with oregano, cayenne (if using), salt and pepper to taste. 8. Serve, garnished with fresh cilantro.
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