You can have very specific goals, you can have a great exercise and nutrition plan and even start developing habits, but without motivation (your why?), it may become difficult to sustain your efforts.
Answering the question about why you want to be healthy may be the key to your success. For me it is many things, which I will enumerate, but for you, you need to explore what motivates you.
What is your why?
The answer to this question is and should be different for everybody. I have a variety of reasons (whys) to pursue optimal health at age 65, but some are more powerful and drive my behavior in a stronger manner.
My list of whys:
- I like feeling healthy
- I like being fit
- I want to always be able to do physical activities at a moments notice (I don’t want to have to get in shape. I want to be in shape). Want to climb a mountain? Ok…I am ready.
- I have four children, aged 30, 26, 7 and 7 and want to be able to do as many activities with them as possible and not have my physical condition be an obstacle to achieving that.
- I wanted to feel less pain. I had pain in my knees, hips, shoulders, feet and of course my back, which has been a chronic issue for decades.
- I have a wife much younger than I am. She is a recent immigrant with limited knowledge about how our systems work and I want to be around as long as possible to assist her in practical matters.
The Why that became my greatest motivation was when I went in for a blood test in January of 2025. I thought I was perfectly healthy. My vitals were all good, except that my LDL cholesterol had jumped up for some reason. While I was not recommended medication at that time, I do not wish to take medication unless it is impossible to avoid.
Driving home after the elevated reading, I quickly came to the conclusion that I would do what it took to lower the cholesterol naturally so that I could have a long, quality life, especially to take care of my twin seven year olds. My son is autistic and depends on me very greatly and I want to be here for him in a healthy manner as long as I possibly can.
That was powerful!
It immediately became very simple for me to identify and change habits to accomplish my goal of lowering cholesterol. Now, I honestly don’t find it difficult to stick to my plan because I have that all powerful why to fall back on.
Set your goals, determine your motivation, design a nutrition and exercise strategy, then make it a habit.
You can do it!
Jim's Travel Culture and History Blog 
Jim, I’m right there with you Jim in that one paragraph about the trip to the Dr. I went in February 2025, and like you, my LDL was a little elevated. It was still in the normal range but was getting closer to the range I didn’t want to deal with. I definitely don’t want to start on medication. Your sections 1, 2, & 3 are very similar to mine. Ok, my kids are 40 and 38 but still want to be healthy anyway. I’m pretty good on #5 with only some flare-ups from time to time. Like you, #6 we both have younger second wives. 14 years age difference for us and she is also a legal immigrant. Really have to emphasize that “legal” part given the current climate we are living under right now. Jay Cooley
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Glad to have your company! 😊
yes. The legal part. Such a shame.
My wife, legal of course, was essentially in hiding until her citizenship appointment. I checked the parking lot prior to the appointment and looked for masked men in suspicious vehicles.
Being a citizen here doesn’t even matter that much any more. If you are dark skinned and speak with an accent, you are vulnerable.
crazy times
I hope you are able to continue with your health.
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