My dad was a fitness enthusiast. He exercised daily, ate what he was supposed to eat, didn’t drink or smoke, no drugs, and he died at 68. My mother, whom doesn’t exercise, smokes, eats whatever she wants (usually junk food and highly processed foods), is still alive and kicking and is now 77.
I lost faith in the whole “exercise for a healthier/longer life” mentality 9 years ago. Live your life, be happy, do things in moderation, and make sure you do what you love with the people you love. If that includes exercise, good for you.
I’m no fan of exercise. But as I imminently approach 40, I’m feeling and seeing its value more and more. The purpose of fitness is not longevity - it is independence and quality of life. Just assume you’re going to live to age 90 either way. Look around at some 80 year olds. Breathing machines, walkers, bed ridden… how do you want to spend your years? Years! Your body will become a torture prison unless you tend to it. Dying is the least of my concerns.
I know plenty of examples like that in my circle of family and friends.
But you know what, a lot of those people who have shitty health, eat whatever and live to be 80 are miserable, senile, weak and unhealthy people for the last ten years of their lives. They do live long lives but what sense is it to survive to 70 or 80 if you are going to be miserable and probably not be aware for the last ten years of your life?
It's fun to say eat whatever you want and not exercise but if you risk torturing yourself for the last few years of your life .... what's the point?
I'd rather be as healthy as possible right up to end if I can help it. I certainly don't want to be a helpless old man who can't think anymore and leave my family to decide when and if I should go.
Oh shit. I don't know why that's so surprising but I think I kind of thought of him as immortal. Shout out to Sweatin' to the Oldies, which was me and my sister's weird hobby as kids.