We have a lot more control over aging well than most people think. Successful aging can be attributed to a wide range of habits that are modifiable - meaning if you have don’t have healthy diet or don’t exercise, you can begin to make small changes over time that will improve your overall health. It’s never too late to get started.
In this episode of Dr. Melissa Batchelor's This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World, powerhouse healthy-aging advocates, authors, and speakers Bob and Fran German share their healthy-aging journey and discoveries.
They share their Top Five Strategies to be young at any age and live your best life—full of excellent health, energy, and boost your own happiness.
Part One of 'Five Tips For Aging Well.'
Bob and Fran’s Stories
Fran's Story
Bob and Fran were a typical couple until 1992, when Fran was 52 years old. She was diagnosed with a severe autoimmune disease called Myasthenia Gravis— an illness that causes severe muscle weakness.
They went to 11 different neurologists to try to find a way to cure the incurable disease. Every doctor gave her that same pitch, and she'd never get better on it.
But Fran was stubborn, and she wanted to find a way to get better.
"I took excellent care of myself. Changed to a whole foods plant-based diet, and cut out all animal products. Within a short period, I was off all medication, and I was symptom-free. Fifteen years later, the incurable disease that was supposed to shorten my life never reared its ugly head again." shared Fran.
Bob's Story
Bob always tries to keep his body in good shape. He's slim and enjoys walking, running, and keeping fit. Until one day, he started to develop discomfort in his groin. Bob went to a urologist, and they found a tumor outside his left kidney.
Bob and Fran traveled to the Duke University Medical Center and had the tumor removed. Post-operation, the doctor told them that it was a cancerous growth—kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma.
According to Bob, "The one thing the doctor had mentioned was even though he got the tumor, he said this type of cancer is known to return. That also was an impetus for me to change."
“After we both have that devastating, life-threatening illness, we changed our lifestyle to a much more healthy one.”
Bob German, Healthy-Aging Advocate, Author, and Speaker
How Their Lives Got Better By Making a Few Changes
Bob and Fran changed their eating and sleep habits. They also do their best to develop techniques to lower stress, which is often a precursor to illness. On top of that, they did a different type of exercise regimen and learned some strategies for building and strengthening their energy.
"Now, here we are in our 80s, and honestly, we feel better than we ever have in our life. We do have endless energy. It is fun." says Fran and Bob.
Bob and Fran are in their 80's but they….
Have more energy than their 22-year old granddaughter.
Hike mountains in North Carolina.
Authored a book, "101 Ways To Be Young At Any Age!"
Lived in Thailand part-time for nine years & Fran cooks fabulous Thai dishes.
Taught at the Buddhist University for six years.
Founded an anti-child trafficking organization.
The oldest-newest YouTubers ever in their 80's!
READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT https://melissabphd.com/podcast-blog/
Connect with Bob and Fran through these useful links:
❤️ Bob and Fran's Healthy-aging YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3c9om3T
❤️Buy Bob and Fran's book, "101 WAYS TO BE YOUNG AT ANY AGE!" at https://amzn.to/3a9g6Q0.
❤️ Visit Bob and Fran's website: https://www.bobnfran.com/.
❤️ Email Bob and Fran at [email protected]
❤️Visit Bob and Fran's ACT Project Website: https://bobnfran.wixsite.com/actproject.