I definitely have an aging vision—some of it carefully crafted, and other parts that are more of a vibe I’m evolving into. Like you, we’re in our late 50s, and like many women, I suspect I’m the reason my husband is still alive. If left to his own devices, he’d still be eating like a 22-year-old frat boy.
I sometimes say cheerfully morbid things like, “I wonder which of us will die first?” just to snap him out of his snack stupor. I do all the cooking to keep us both on the nutrient-dense, pro-longevity path, and I remind him that he’s worth more to me alive than dead, which is romantic in its own very practical way.
Aesthetically, I’ve always worn black. Not because I’m in mourning, but because bright colors give me circus flashbacks (Barnum & Bailey, anyone?). My home is the opposite: minimalist, mostly white, and intentionally not a future set for a pharmaceutical ad. I refuse to end up with a bedside tower of pill bottles or, perish the thought, a recliner. Comfort can be achieved without surrendering all taste.
My music hasn’t changed much over the years, and I remain mildly allergic to “old people” things like loud prints and overly busy decor.
Rachel, I'd say you're doing very well. Although I will push back on your diss of my amazing leather recliner. Thank you for laying out your vision. Is your husband pulling his weight, with the dishes, laundry, yardwork or other things, I hope?
Pete, thanks so much! I appreciate the vote of confidence. Likewise, if you ever feel yourself thinking, "wth is zielbauer doing?" always feel free to speak your mind on that side of the ledger, too. Constructive criticism and ideas are always, always welcome.
Last year, I would have said that my aging vision is guided by the love of my home. A physical structure with many stairs both in and out. The house is surrounded by some gardens, woods and creeks. I want to climb stairs and trim bushes and rake leaves for as long as possible. But the other day, I was struck by a new reason as I squatted down to lift my 110lb, 12 year old Shiloh Shepherd dog into the cargo area of my SUV for his vet visit. He is no longer able to make that jump safely, but I can lift him in and out, no problem. I have no doubt that lifting a grandchild or helping someone up off the ground would mean just as much, but it is the fact that I can do it that keeps me lifting, moving and eating well.
Marianne, thank you for sharing that vision, which appears to be a very lovely reality for you. You are strong. I love the large-dog-squat exercises. If I had a dog I would definitely create a #WorkoutWednesday routine lifting it. also, raking, like mopping a floor, can be a great mini-core workout, though not on the level of shoveling snow.
Annie, you've influenced me to move away from lunchmeat sandwiches to cook up a lunch of whole foods in a few minutes: a can of beans with quinoa; turkey crumble with beans and turmeric and maybe some broccoli or peppers; or sometimes, because I'm a longtime intermittent faster, I don't eat before noon so i just have a mess o' no-fat greek yogurt with blueberries and Trader Joe's "high-protein" granola, which unfortly is highly processed and has a lot of added sugar but provides some crunch.
Of course, word on the street is, you're coming for my big blob of yogurt now. I can reduce to 1 cup/day, I think.
Also, I now have your book, so I'm sure you'll be coming after more of my less-than-optimal eating habits. I'm already not eating nearly as much pan-seared chicken breast as I had been prior to our podcast discussion. Because, AGEs...
I would love to see a piece on creatine for people over 50’s, 60’s etc. The pros and cons. My general MD is advising me against it because he said unless I lift heavy weights, it is not needed and the studies are not clear on long term kidney issues. There is so much hype on social media about creatine.
Happy Fun Friday!!!
I definitely have an aging vision—some of it carefully crafted, and other parts that are more of a vibe I’m evolving into. Like you, we’re in our late 50s, and like many women, I suspect I’m the reason my husband is still alive. If left to his own devices, he’d still be eating like a 22-year-old frat boy.
I sometimes say cheerfully morbid things like, “I wonder which of us will die first?” just to snap him out of his snack stupor. I do all the cooking to keep us both on the nutrient-dense, pro-longevity path, and I remind him that he’s worth more to me alive than dead, which is romantic in its own very practical way.
Aesthetically, I’ve always worn black. Not because I’m in mourning, but because bright colors give me circus flashbacks (Barnum & Bailey, anyone?). My home is the opposite: minimalist, mostly white, and intentionally not a future set for a pharmaceutical ad. I refuse to end up with a bedside tower of pill bottles or, perish the thought, a recliner. Comfort can be achieved without surrendering all taste.
My music hasn’t changed much over the years, and I remain mildly allergic to “old people” things like loud prints and overly busy decor.
So… how am I doing?
Rachel, I'd say you're doing very well. Although I will push back on your diss of my amazing leather recliner. Thank you for laying out your vision. Is your husband pulling his weight, with the dishes, laundry, yardwork or other things, I hope?
My husband is wonderful in all the ways that really matter! I want to hear more about your aging vision!
Glad you’re doing this work, Paul.
Pete, thanks so much! I appreciate the vote of confidence. Likewise, if you ever feel yourself thinking, "wth is zielbauer doing?" always feel free to speak your mind on that side of the ledger, too. Constructive criticism and ideas are always, always welcome.
Last year, I would have said that my aging vision is guided by the love of my home. A physical structure with many stairs both in and out. The house is surrounded by some gardens, woods and creeks. I want to climb stairs and trim bushes and rake leaves for as long as possible. But the other day, I was struck by a new reason as I squatted down to lift my 110lb, 12 year old Shiloh Shepherd dog into the cargo area of my SUV for his vet visit. He is no longer able to make that jump safely, but I can lift him in and out, no problem. I have no doubt that lifting a grandchild or helping someone up off the ground would mean just as much, but it is the fact that I can do it that keeps me lifting, moving and eating well.
Marianne, thank you for sharing that vision, which appears to be a very lovely reality for you. You are strong. I love the large-dog-squat exercises. If I had a dog I would definitely create a #WorkoutWednesday routine lifting it. also, raking, like mopping a floor, can be a great mini-core workout, though not on the level of shoveling snow.
I am curious about how your lunch is going now Paul? Let me know if you need any ideas:)
Annie, you've influenced me to move away from lunchmeat sandwiches to cook up a lunch of whole foods in a few minutes: a can of beans with quinoa; turkey crumble with beans and turmeric and maybe some broccoli or peppers; or sometimes, because I'm a longtime intermittent faster, I don't eat before noon so i just have a mess o' no-fat greek yogurt with blueberries and Trader Joe's "high-protein" granola, which unfortly is highly processed and has a lot of added sugar but provides some crunch.
Of course, word on the street is, you're coming for my big blob of yogurt now. I can reduce to 1 cup/day, I think.
Also, I now have your book, so I'm sure you'll be coming after more of my less-than-optimal eating habits. I'm already not eating nearly as much pan-seared chicken breast as I had been prior to our podcast discussion. Because, AGEs...
This totally makes my day! Brain Health Kitchen approved! Check out the granola recipes in the book.
I would love to see a piece on creatine for people over 50’s, 60’s etc. The pros and cons. My general MD is advising me against it because he said unless I lift heavy weights, it is not needed and the studies are not clear on long term kidney issues. There is so much hype on social media about creatine.
L6.7, yes. It’s a worthy subject. It’s on the list. Thank you.