Move It Or Lose It: 3 Seniors Share Their Path Of Wellness + Vitality

“I’m not getting old; I’m evolving.” — Keith Richards

The author at Mt. Sneffels. Photo by Kim Fuller.

Many say it. We’ve all heard it. The one constant is change. But, who truly intuits that, one day, we may be 60, 70, 80, 90 years or more! Especially those with personal goals including physical activity and staying in shape, how we will embrace aging? How do we evolve well as seniors? How do we shift, feed our souls and maintain our vitality?

At 72, I can attest that few “get it” until we “get there.” I’ve arrived, although hopefully, with miles to go. For me, the difference now is that I’m aware; I feel it in my bones and in my psyche. Yes, my life is finite, but this has awakened me. Although not retired by choice, I have an additional daily job — to nurture myself, mentally and physically, to accept my limits but not to limit yself and to focus on what is sustaining, positive and beautiful.

I’m curious about how others adapt to the challenges of advancing years. Hang around seniors and, invariably, conversation includes health, activity, nutrition, surgeries (or not!), medication (or not!) and seX-rated jokes! It’s helpful to consider different mindsets and approaches. I promote yoga. Never on a mat until 60, I discovered that my regular practice absolutely sustains and improves my well-being. I’ll remain on my mat, with any luck!

I spoke with two seniors, eager for their stories, both outstanding role models as athletes and individuals who share my priorities, values and outlook on aging.

Ellen Miller is the first American woman to summit Mt. Everest from both sides (first Tibet, then south side Nepal). She mastered 8,000-meter Himalayan peaks, such as Cho Oyu, Manaslu and, at age 50 with one other climber and after her first hip replacement, Everest’s neighbor, Lhotse. Miller always climbed, but topping Everest (in a mountaineering era before helicopter assists, wealthy sponsors and elaborate Sherpa support) involved patience, progression and commitment. She first climbed Denali (Alaska), then saved for annual expeditions to the European Alps, Pakistan and China before she felt ready at extreme high altitude.

Ellen Miller and Stella. Photo courtesy of Ellen Miller.

Today, at 65, Miller frequents her favorite Colorado peaks and trails, summer and winter, and volunteers to help preserve neighboring wilderness.

“I feel like now is the time to give back,” Miller says. “These trails here are old friends to me. I need to support them, show others their beauty and grace.”

Miller still works as a caregiver for an elderly Vail client.

“My work keeps me very busy, fulfilling in a different way,” shares Miller. “It has absolutely increased my sense of urgency to keep connecting with my joy. I must keep connecting with nature, to keep living for myself, too. Every day off, when I get to go, I’m going! No negotiating … for my physical and mental health. In the mountains, I find an undeniable joy; it’s what lights me up, fills my heart and spirit.

For a long time, mountain climbing was it. I guess I’m trying to hang onto what I can do. I’ve refocused my efforts to the local wilderness and to volunteering. I’m watching my dog, Stella, age. I’m more careful with her. We do Stella hikes now. There’s nothing like a creature’s love and well-being, including wildlife.

My athleticism has changed. Aging and wear and tear; I’ve had four hip surgeries. If you want to continue, you have to adapt. I rarely run anymore. I want to take care of these hips. I do strength training at home, with limited time for gym sessions. I enjoy yoga; mine is now a simple home practice. The balance of cardio, flexibility and strength — that triad works for me. I’m in the school of use it or lose it. We don’t have to keep doing hard, but we’ve got to keep moving.”

Marlin Smickley agrees. He is 85-yearsyoung, with sparkling blue eyes, a vibrant smile, handsome shock of white hair and a runner’s trim physique. We met after his three-morningsweekly run — mostly uphill!

Marlin Smickley in a summer trail running race. Photo courtesy of Vail Recreation District.

“Motion is lotion!” Smickley says. “I started running when I taught school back east, on the baseball field, barefoot! When I moved to Colorado in 2000, I fell in love with trail running. Many of my runs aren’t races anymore. Instead, I jog and walk. I don’t need the podium. Just do what you can do.

In the winter, now I snowshoe. Anything I can do out in nature is the best tonic, and it’s free. Another salvation is to be with flowers in nature. I’m a master gardener and love flowers.

Yoga is the big thing I love now. The mornings I don’t run, I do yoga. Usually, I’m the stiffest in the class. But, I look forward to it and do what is best for me. I set my intention in the beginning and end with my intention. I need to get back to meditating. It sets your mind straight.

I still work part-time, a small management company. Keep it to two days a week. And, I don’t take my phone everywhere I go.

I believe to treat your body as a temple — lots of blueberries, veggies, protein and water!

I never smoked. It is nice to share a glass of wine with friends. Have good human beings as friends and you’ll get along well in life! Most things are hard at this age. I don’t think about it. I just get up and do it! Have a purpose and a positive attitude.”

Smickley sums it up, “I never thought I’d be this old. I never prepared for it, but that’s what I do now. Every day is a different day. Don’t expect each one to be perfect. It is what you decide to make it, what makes you feel good at night when you lay your head on your pillow.”

And Miller?

“I’ve had a beautiful life. If it ends today, I can honestly say that I’m satisfied,” she says. “I am glad I did a lot when I was younger, because I’m satisfied. That’s a good feeling.”

So, whatever your age, may this inspire you to always keep moving and be well!

Originally published in the Spring 2024 issue of Spoke+Blossom.