To my 100-year-old self:
Hi,
I’m writing to my 100-year-old self this time because there’s a thing going around called the Centenarian Olympics. A longevity doctor sees patients in their 80s who struggle to perform life functions like carrying groceries, getting up and down from the floor, and lifting a carry-on bag into an overhead compartment. These things become challenging as our muscle and bone strength decline. The decline is natural and starts as early as your 30s.
I want you to be able to get off the toilet, any toilet. Mom had one of those raised seats. I wonder what she felt like walking into a public bathroom at 60. Did she wonder if she’d be able to get up?
I want you to be able to do whatever you want to do when you’re 100. I imagine you playing on the floor with our great-grandkids, living alone, and being able to say yes without hesitation.
So, I’m changing my habits. This year at 42, I started lifting weights. I got a 50lb kettlebell from Walmart that I pick up a few times per week. I’m glad I started because I’m getting stronger. I realize I’d be stuck if I didn’t start lifting heavy things. I don’t ever want you to be stuck. That’s a nightmare.
I never thought I would do this, but I started taking creatine and protein shakes to build muscle. It’s that important to me.
I know all this muscle will go away in the fullness of time. I want to keep it as long as I can. I’ve been so fortunate to come from strong Dutch stock. Grandaddy and Dad are strong. Grandma walked every morning through her 80s. She knew she had to keep it up.
I had this friend Joe from Boston. We met when he was in his 70s. We walked miles together from Harvard along the Charles River to his home. We ran across the street before the light turned green. There was no thought of tripping or imbalance. My friend Jim hiked the Two Moors Trail across England last year at 78. Dad came to Australia with us. That was a long flight.
I want that for you.
I never want your body to fail you. Well, maybe one day, but I want that to be the last.
I started these habits. I can’t imagine doing anything for 40 years, but I have a hunch that’s exactly what I’m going to do. That’s what I need to do to give you the best chance to live a full and healthy life.
I have this funny thought that right now, I’m the most fit and beautiful that I ever will be. It’s silly, but I think that can be true tomorrow, like it is today. Then the day after that and every day until we meet.
I hope you’re well,
Craig
