Instructional &
Informational Posts
From 95-year-old yoga teachers to 100-year-old marathon runners, it seems we can look forward to old age in a way like never before. As our life spans get longer, so can our ambitions and dreams. We’ve found youthful personalities in higher age brackets that ignore the ‘ole ‘too old for this or that’. Hopefully their wisdom will inspire you to live life more healthfully – and more fully.
Walter T. Spalding Jr. is an 84-year-old powerhouse who still works as a lawyer and calls his wife his “bride.” Walter gave some thoughtful answers to our big questions, stressing the importance of gratitude, true love and being active at any stage of life.
Tell us a little bit about your life.
After 55 years as an attorney and with a beautiful wife and 5 great kids, I couldn’t ask for more. I have traveled to many distant lands around the world and still find the best home is in the USA. My preference for ideal living would be Hawaii, but that’s too far away from my family. My legal career has been very rewarding, especially from the standpoint of realizing how much you can help people solve their problems. I led a very independent life as a child, but I think I have become more dependent as the years roll by---especially thanks to a very loving wife.
What is different about being in your 80s than any other decade?
Hard to say other than maybe a few more aches and pains. Certainly as time passes by, I have become more concerned about my bride and the eventual downsizing of our home. I realize that my time as a practicing lawyer is more limited each year.
What is the best thing about getting older? The worst?
Best: being able to share your joys and experiences with your partner, family and friends. Worst: knowing that you only have a limited time left to do the sharing.
When in your life did you feel the healthiest?
Probably as a teenager when I could participate in any and most all sports and activities.
In your opinion, what is the secret to health and longevity?
Being active, both mentally and physically, eating in moderation, having a happy home life, being optimistic, helping others, avoiding stress and being very thankful for what you have and what your parents and the Creator has blessed you with.
Health-wise, is there something you wish you did differently when you were younger?
Not really---other than never starting to smoke as a teenager in college. Fortunately, I had a bad reaction to it that forced me to quit at an early age.
What piece of advice would you give those younger than you for how to life a healthy and fulfilling life?
Find a job or career that will give you satisfaction and that makes you truly enjoy the results of your efforts. Find a partner to love and share your joys and to whom you care for more than yourself.
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Courtney Sunday has two cats and a boyfriend who are very patient with her health and wellness obsessions. She teaches yoga, Pilates and indoor cycling and gives Thai massages through her Toronto business Om at Home Yoga. When she is tuckered out, she takes up the sport of sleeping.
