Eat, Move, Live: The Not-Boring Longevity Plan

By C², Connie Colleen Wyatt, Occupational Therapist, PNW Home for Life PLLC

Let’s get one thing straight: I’m not here to tell you to live like a monk who only eats kale and says “namaste” before every meal.

I’m here to help you live the life you want—gardening, traveling, grandkid-chasing, dog-walking, or living in your recliner (but being able to get out of it unassisted). And to do that, we need to talk about longevity basics in a way that won’t bore you to death before aging does.

Food: Don’t Let Protein Be the Missing Guest at Dinner

You want to keep your muscles? Eat your protein. I’m not saying you need to down raw eggs like Rocky, but your muscles won’t feed themselves—and neither will your independence.

Think: palm-sized portions of protein every meal. Eggs, chicken, beans, whatever keeps you off the “Help, I’ve fallen” commercials.

Stability: The Art of Not Falling Over

Falls are not a normal part of aging, but weakness and wobbliness can make them feel inevitable. Balance work is your ticket to freedom.

Stand on one foot while brushing your teeth. Take a tai chi class. Practice getting off the floor without using the coffee table like a climbing wall.

You can’t live the life you want if you’re afraid of falling while fetching your mail.

Movement: Use It, or You’ll Lose It (Sorry, But It’s True)

You don’t need a gym membership to age well, but you do need to move. Walk, dance, garden, push a vacuum while cursing your dog’s shedding, or do your PT exercises (yes, I know you have them).

Your joints are like that old lawnmower in the shed—if you don’t use it, it rusts.

Mindset: It’s Your Life. Live It On Purpose.

What do you want to be able to do in your 70s, 80s, 90s? Travel to see your grandkids? Hike with friends? Keep your independence so you can age in your own home?

You get to choose your goals. Your body, however, needs a little cooperation to get you there. That means food that fuels you, movement that challenges you, and habits that don’t quit (even if you sometimes want to).

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Done Yet

Longevity isn’t about living longer for the sake of it. It’s about living well for as long as you’re here—without giving up the life you love.

Eat well. Move often. Work on your balance. Laugh at yourself when you wobble in tai chi. Repeat.

Your future self will thank you when you’re still chasing grandkids, trimming your roses, or making everyone laugh at family dinners.

✨ “Because living longer is only worth it if you’re living well—and still laughing.” ✨

By C²
pnwhomeforlife@gmail.com
360-770-1752