Aging is a funny thing, your brain and your body aren't always on the same page as you get older. I have always been fairly active and kept in shape, but as I got older the long business flights, office time, etc. began to outweigh my efforts. The weekends were critical to me as that was my "chop wood carry water" time. Simple, physical, hard work helped to blow out the cobwebs and get me some physical time.
I am 64 so I don't work as long as I did in 30-40's. Used to do 12 hr days in the field which are now 7-8 hrs with breaks. I am okay with that as you start to work smarted not harder. Added a tractor with lots of implements which has been a huge improvement to getting things done. I have a good solid hand dolly and hand cart I use in the shop to move things.
About 3.5 years ago I was diagnosed with a very serious health issue, it has changed my life. The treatments for it take a big toll on the body. To balance that I have to focus on improving my body's chemistry, detoxing, and overall and health. There is traditional medicine (doctors, hospitals, approved medical treatments) and there is the wholistic side. I learned that the medical professional only focus' is on treatment, and don't really much on the side of improving your body's health.
The holistic side focus' on the body's health. I have incorporated a mind-body-spirit approach which focus' on the minds impact on overall health and well being. The big thing I am focused on is detoxing to help balance out the adverse effects of the treatment chemicals. The importance of supporting your bodies organs to process & detoxify is very important. I stopped drinking 3.5 years ago, have never smoked. Drink only filtered (Berkey system) water. Drink about 2-3 quarts of water every day.
I take supplements and put green herbal detox powders in my protein shake to support the detox effort. People don't realize how much protein they need. Someone my age and size needs 90-120 grams of protein a day. I used to live to eat, lots of healthy stuff but also too much fun stuff. I now eat to live. Lots of protein (fish, chix, and yes red meat), fruits, vegetables, along with good carbs and whole grains. I try and buy organic when I can to get food that is not been subjected to anti-biotics, herbicides, etc.
The treatments knock me down so I have to focus on getting up and start moving as soon as I can. Issues like neuropathy, leg, joint pain, nausea, etc. all creep in. Pain becomes a regular part of your life, but you can't let it take over. I have learned that motion is lotion. Stretching, walking, adding some light weight routines, all help.
I have a different appreciation for life now and have made changes. Sold my business, focus more on my wife and family, and have had some old friends that really have stepped up and become a strong support group for me. The other aspect is adding spirituality to the mix. Never would preach this to anyone but it has added a nice calming time when I go there.
I no longer look to the horizon as the say tomorrow is never promised to us. I focus on each day and try to be a little bit better. I have learned to be more curious rather than judge someone as everyone has something they are dealing with. A lot of you out there are hard chargers, make sure you take some time to appreciate what you have and those around you.
A friend who went through the same thing said the most important thing you can do as anger will rise, always remember to be kind. Good words to live by!
Never thought I would do it this long. Heck I have been in the Army for more of my life than not. Crazy, but it’s time to move on. Young man’s game. 
