I turned 82 a short while ago and I am in a battle. It starts with remaining verticle - meaning not spending most of the day and night in a horizontal position in bed and on the couch - or, at the worst, ending up in a coffin "on the wrong side of the grass".
Viability is about surviving or living successfully - being able to accomplish the necessary functions that were easy in younger days. Vibrancy in the elderly years is a tougher one.It's about energy and enthusiam. Tough goals in your 80s.
Luck always plays a role in longevity and my "3V-trilogy". Disease and injury can take you out, and genetic makeup plays a major role. I have dealt with all of that.
No one in my 5-person, original family lived past 64 years of age - except me. My dad and brother died at that age, and my mom passed away at 48 - while my sister died at 19. I have dealt with cancer and heart disease that took my mother and brother, respectively, and have luckily avoided the neuromuscular diseases that killed my sister and father.
My "V-Trilogy" all are choices. It pays to start early - when you are younger. Healthy habits are tough to acquire in later years. Get going early.
I have always been a walker and still walk 2-3 miles on most days. I have a full gym in my basement and lift weights at least several days per week. My verticality has shrunk to 5'8" but I remain upright. My weight remains a fairly-muscular 151 pounds. I take my precription meds religiously - eat moderately - rely on well-tested supplements - and move and strength train frequently.
I grant that luck has intervened in both the good and bad in my life, but I like myself and the life I live, even in old age. That may be the most-important message to the readers of this article. You have choices, perhaps the most important factor in keeping your mind clear and positive. My 33 years in the fitness field have taught me that April is the best time of year to get going. Make the choice.
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