I found a list of “secrets” of octogenarians in a book* on longevity and wellness. The one that really struck me between the eyes: “Never functionally retire.”

The comment resonates particularly well in these tough times. Many of my friends in their 50s and 60s are cracking wise that our generation will be working well into our 90s because of the impact of the current economic downturn. Watching one’s 401K go down instead of up is pretty disturbing, even if retirement is 15 years away. If it’s looming closer, it’s even more stressful.

I realize that I’m lucky, but I don’t find working into my 90s to be an unappealing idea. I guess it’s because I really like what I do and I’m lucky enough to have more than one job, so I have a lot of variety. I also love the people I work with at all my jobs–now that, I know, is a blessing to celebrate!

I’ve observed several situations in which “retirement” didn’t turn out to be the Nirvana it was cracked up to be. Wise persons approach these years with a specific plan–complete with goals and structure and challenges (just like work!).

Another book** I listened to recently pointed out: Humans are hard-wired to seek challenges.

We are born with a certain amount of drive–a desire to better our circumstances, no matter what they are. When our ancestors started walking upright, they also began sharpening sticks and making tools and building shelter. They even came up with fire and the wheel. (Anthropology note: Cell phones and Velcro came later.)

The cave dudes who were inventive and industrious mostly avoided the saber-toothed felines of the day, and some of them even “got lucky” so their blood lines continued.

We can assume the fat, lazy cave dudes succumbed to the Darwinian order sooner rather than later. They were probably also whiners, so the cave chicks didn’t dig them much. They probably lived with their mothers (not that that’s a “bad” thing) and got stomped by mastodons early in life.

Our forefathers’ drive to create and invent and modify and tinker became more intense through selective breeding, it is thought. So who are we to think that not working is the ultimate bliss?

The take-away: “Sharpen your stick” and stay young by learning new skills, trying new experiences, traveling and volunteering. Take a walk on the wild side. Embrace work–it is our lifeblood and gives us purpose.

Teddy Roosevelt said:
“Far and away the best prize life offers us is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” So true!

Have you seen the TV ads encouraging you to invest in gold and other “tangibles?” Since I don’t have any spare cash lying around I don’t trouble myself with this issue, but I will tell you this: gaining lean muscle mass is cheaper and more satisfying.

I just read a fascinating article about sarcopenia–the loss of lean muscle tissue that happens as we age. It was once an accepted part of getting “old.” But research shows that getting significantly weaker is not inevitable.

The key to staying stronger longer is two-fold. First, you must make sure you get enough protein in your diet. Second, choose exercise modes that stimulate major muscle groups, including those in the upper body.

We’ll discuss exercise in an up-coming post, but today let’s talk protein. How much do you really need? A lot of experts seem to think that the RDA (recommended dietary allowance) set by the government is too low.

Currently, the RDA for protein is .36 grams per pound of body weight. That’s 55 grams per day for a 150-pound person. (To put that in perspective, 6 ounces of water-packed tuna has about 44 grams of protein. A large egg has about 6.3 grams, and a quarter cup of almonds has about 8 grams. More info on protein sources to come.)

Many older Americans fail to attain this level–but  there’s more. Body weight includes all kinds of tissue–muscle, bone, fat, etc. (If you forget to trim your nails before weighing yourself, also the weight of your fingernails!) Since bone and fat don’t require protein for maintenance, people with different body composition will have dramatically different protein needs.

Activity level also is an important factor. Scientists studied older people who are involved in weight training and determined their need for protein is at least 25 percent higher than the current RDA just to maintain current muscle mass. To build additional muscle, they estimate the need for dietary protein at about 50 percent more than the current RDA.

Next time: Sleuthing for protein sources that aren’t also loaded with fat (they do exist!)

Behind her sparkling golden eyes, Vannon’s sharp mind composed a list of attributes she was seeking.

As she jogged easily through the neighborhood, her muscles rippling, she thought about how to find the perfect companion for her adventures. Heads turned as she passed; she was built like the proverbial brick outhouse.

She was also a Viszla–a beautiful golden dog. She also lacked a leash or supervising human. She was a runaway.

Having vaulted the backyard fence, Vannon had taken it upon herself to find someone to walk her. Her owner couldn’t, because of health reasons. Vannon needed someone strong. Someone who liked the outdoors. Someone who liked and understood dogs.

Someone gullible.

The woman riding the navy blue road bicycle immediately dismounted and called, “Hey, doggie! Where do you belong? Does your mom know you’re loose?”

It was as though a neon sign was emblazoned on the woman’s forehead: “Pushover!”

Vannon assessed the woman’s legs. “Not as good as mine,” she concluded, “but she MIGHT be able to keep up.”

As luck (and the Divine) would have it, the cyclist–who happened to be named Kim Dinell–needed a place to park her gorgeous van, the Kimpod. The neighbors of her deed-restricted community were not impressed by its sexy lines; they were all hung up on its size and the fact that “motor homes” were not allowed. Boooo. Hissss.

Vannon’s owner, Lucy, thought the Kimpod was adorable. She was THRILLED at the prospect of trading Kim parking privileges in exchange for daily Vannon walks. (These, for the first five trips, were actually RUNS. Long a prisoner of her yard, Vannon at first proved to be a “diamond in the RUFF!”)

Did Vannon KNOW when she took flight over the fence that fateful day that her “sole-mate” running partner lived just through the trees and was in desperate need of a solution to her Kimpod problem? That a symbiotic relationship was waiting to be forged?

If so, she’s not gonna tell. Dogs are that way.

ever seen a hermit crab with a big smile?

I heard a report on NPR the other day about “nesting.”

I’d heard the term used to describe the instinct that seizes pregnant women toward the end of their term. (I remember having a neighbor laugh at me when he caught me power-washing the exterior of the house in my ninth month!)

But this is different use of the term “nesting.” From a marketing standpoint, businesses are responding to the crappy economy by playing up products that enhance your living space–since ostensibly you can’t afford to go out anymore.

Seems to me like a buying a flat-screen TV is an odd way to respond to being broke. (But what do I know?)

However, I can relate (strongly!) to the instinct to want to insulate oneself against the winds of change and economic turmoil. This fall I fell victim to the instinct myself–with a resounding THUD, I might add.

Folks who know me are aware of my “jones” for motor homes, especially small ones. The clever ways manufacturers have crammed “the comforts of home” onto a 19-foot motor vehicle chassis is a source of constant fascination. And those little sinks!

So when change loomed on the horizon in the shape of a need to find a place to live, I didn’t need much encouragement.

Into my life came the Kimpod–a shapely white van camper with blue racing stripes. (The irony of racing stripes on a vehicle that tops out at 70 mph is not lost on me.) I have become a huge fan of the three-point turn. She ain’t no Mini Cooper.  But I can “nest” with the best. The nights I’ve slept in the van, I’ve felt snug as a bug in a rug.

Now my “home on wheels” affords me the opportunity to travel to clients around northern Florida. As Buzz Lightyear would say, “To infinity and beyond!”

So if you live in the area and want to learn more about efficient swimming, drop me a line! The Kimpod and I may be coming soon to a pool near you.

Kimswimflorida@gmail.com

Having a difficult time getting “psyched up” for your swim workout? Here’s some ammunition to shoot down your lame excuses for not swimming today:

1) It doesn’t take that long to get dry again, really.
Every time you do it, you streamline the process, becoming more organized, faster and better at it.

2) Swim when you’d be getting wet anyway (for cleaning purposes), and it becomes a two-fer!
If you can swim in the morning, your after-swim shower replaces your morning shower, etc. Plus, you feel more awake because of increased blood flow and oxygen levels from exercising. Or, you might swim after work, simplifying the after-swim “getting ready for work” process–you can schlep home in your sweats. This plan also gives you a relaxing break and chance to re-focus between your work and private lives.

3) Your body LOVES being submerged.
Your brain is what is telling you it’s too much hassle. For once, let your body rule!

4) Consider the “New York, New York” theory of self-esteem development.
If you can get comfortable walking around in a swimming suit, you will build confidence across-the-board. (“If I can make it there, I’ll make it ANYWHERE….”)

5) It can act as a great “filter” for weeding out activities you’d  rather not do, anyway.
If you can’t show up at a meeting with wet hair, ask yourself: Do you REALLY want to do business with these people?

6) Incorporate that “fresh-from-the-pool” look into a vibrant new style.
People will be so impressed by your glowing health, they’ll look past the goggle marks.

7) From a spiritual standpoint, you can view every emergence from the water as a REBIRTH.
Not many sports offer you a fresh slate when you are done participating! If you can swing a lunch-time swim session, it’ll feel like a fresh start on the day.

You won’t be tempted to skip a post-workout shower and inadvertently offend with your odor.
When you get done pumping iron, you have to take the time to get under the water stream. Emerge from the pool, you’re already halfway there!

9) Workout clothes used in swimming are less bulky AND less smelly than land-based workout clothes.
See above. Finish your swim workout, you’re clean, your suit’s clean, everything just needs a good rinse.  Voila!

10) There just really isn’t any other activity that’s as effective, safe, fun, satisfying, relaxing and invigorating as SWIMMING.
So quit whining and get IN the pool!