Healthy Hundred

As Carlos approached 55, he found himself reflecting more deeply on his future. He dreamed of staying active, traveling the world, and spending quality time with his extended family. But how could he make this vision a reality? One day, he stumbled upon an exercise in a magazine that involved writing a press release for your 80th birthday. This activity encourages you to articulate your future self and then work backward to map out the steps needed to get there.

Research on “prospective thinking” reveals that envisioning your future can significantly influence your present decisions. Studies show that individuals who regularly visualise their future selves are more likely to make healthier choices today. By creating a clear mental image of who you want to become, you boost your motivation to take actionable steps now.

In his press release, Carlos outlined how he wanted to celebrate his 80th birthday—playing tennis with friends, enjoying a weekend getaway, and making memories with his grandchildren. This exercise helped him pinpoint specific changes he needed to implement. To keep playing tennis, he realised he needed to strengthen his core and improve flexibility. He committed to incorporating a regular stretching routine and joining a local fitness class focused on strength training.

Carlos also recognised that maintaining his energy for travel required a healthier diet. He decided to meal prep on weekends, ensuring he had nutritious options readily available throughout the week, while also aiming to include more fruits and vegetables in his meals.

So, what about you? Visualise your 80th birthday. How will you spend the day? Write it down. Once you have your vision, identify tangible steps to make it a reality. Start by incorporating one new healthy habit this week—perhaps a daily walk or eating healthy snacks. This simple exercise could be the catalyst for transforming your future.