How to Live to Be 103 by Lane Jordan Burday
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul (3 John 1:2, ESV).
I just read an article about Dr. Howard Tucker, a neurologist from Cleveland, Ohio, who was named the “Oldest Doctor Ever” by Guinness World Records at age 103.
Needless to say, this article caught my eye! I am getting older and would like to stay healthy and useful until the Lord takes me home. So, what was his secret? He said that he didn’t believe there was one magic answer. Good genes and good luck certainly can give you a head start. But he then mentioned three non-negotiables for a long and meaningful life, which seem pretty simple, and I think most of us can follow.
- Keep your mind engaged. This sounds pretty straightforward. But then I realized that many people stop doing anything after they retire, or if they are still working, they come home and watch TV until they go to bed. He mentions we should keep using our minds by volunteering, reading, learning a new skill (such as dancing, art lessons, sports), playing music, joining a club, or finding any activity that keeps our minds active. Romans 12:2 is a verse we can follow by staying in the Bible:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2)
2. Don’t carry hatred.
He said, “Anger and resentment take energy. They take a physical toll. In my view, they do more harm to the person carrying them than to anyone else. Anger can raise your blood pressure, increase stress hormones, and increase your risk for heart disease over time. Not to mention the mental energy spent hating someone.”
Well, God already told us this! In Ephesians 4:31-32, we learn:
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
And in Hebrews 12:15, this verse shows us the consequences of holding bitterness inside:
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
In other words, if we carry hatred and/or bitterness against someone, it will grow into a bitter root inside us that will destroy us.
As humans, we can’t forget every mistake or excuse bad behavior. The point is not to let bitterness take over your life. Give it over to God! Let Him take care of it. We need to stay interested in those God has placed in our lives and focus our energy on what God says gives life meaning.
3. Do Everything in Moderation
Dr. Tucker notes that living well does not mean denying yourself every pleasure to live a long life. Enjoy a good steak or some ice cream! But eat in moderation and have a balance of healthy foods, such as plenty of salads and vegetables.
Our bodies were not made to drink alcohol in large amounts, to smoke, use drugs, or consume too much sugar (as in soda drinks and pastry). Moderation is what makes enjoying life over the long run! Too much or too little of anything can do harm to your body.
Isaiah 46:4 is a verse that shows where everything we have comes from our Lord:
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I pray that these three suggestions will help you have a healthier life!
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