Living to 90 is an achievement in itself, but imagine being able to compete in a triathlon when you’re approaching 90?
This is the reality of Dr. Joseph Maroon, 82-year-old triathlete, consultant neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) medical director.
“I tell people my goal in life is to die young as soon as possible,” Maroon says.
Maroon recognizes the value of the mind-body connection for its ability to compete in 8 Ironman triathlons, 9 marathons and over 70 Olympic distance triathlon events.
He experienced a “lifequake” when his father died. He quit neurosurgery at age 40 and ended up flipping burgers as badly as he could, partly because Berger had a purpose when the banker who had the mortgage on his joint encouraged him to run.
“I happened to find that with physical activity, my depression gradually went away, I started losing 15 pounds, my brain started working again, and I was finally able to go back to neurosurgery. “Physical activity literally saved my life.”
From that point on, Maroon made some serious changes to her daily routine. He believes this added an extra year to both his “healthy life expectancy” and life expectancy.
82-year-old triathlete and neurosurgeon’s daily practice
These are six everyday practices that Maroon has practiced in his post-40 life and still practices every day.
- Eat a Mediterranean diet. A Maroon’s diet consists primarily of fruits and vegetables, with occasional chicken and fish.
- regular exercise. Maroon spends an hour a day, six days a week, exercising.
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking over-the-counter drugs.
- Keep stress levels low. One way Maroons reduce stress is by balancing their values. He tries to spend equal time each day between work, family/friends, spirituality, and physical activity.
- Get enough sleep. Maroons sleep six and a half to seven and a half hours each night.
- He also takes supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, which Maroon takes for brain health and reduced inflammation. You should consult your doctor and do extensive research before adding supplements to your diet.
“I thought the years over 60 were a bonus,” says Maroon.
“I’m 82 now and still functioning at a very good level.”
Sign up now: Get smart about money and your career with our weekly newsletter
Do not miss it:
.
