Luck's Yard Heroes - Luck's Yard Clinic

Luck’s Yard Heroes

Continuing on from our Active Aging article we published at the end of last year (https://www.lucksyardclinic.com/active-ageing/), we thought it would be fun to share the reflections and ideas of some of our patients this year, who are over 60 – our Luck’s Yard Heroes.

They inspire us each week in the clinic with their wit and life philosophy as well as telling us how they look after themselves and their health.

We would like to share their life philosophy with you all and if you would like to share your ideas we would love to hear from you.

‘I will not be defined by my age!’

Tony Beet

What makes you laugh or smile? Morecambe and Wise repeats, and watching the interaction of children and how they are gradually learning about life.

What inspires you in life? The stories of those who have overcome major difficulties life has thrown at them. Also any idea from real life on which I can base a story, especially if the protagonist can be someone I would not normally have related to.

If you ever wake up feeling low what do you do to revive your sparkle? Have at least one piece of 70% cocoa chocolate and go for a cycle ride (if feasible).

What is your favourite secret health-recipe? A mixed vegetable Korma with plenty of aubergine and peanut butter.

How do you relax? By writing short stories and reading, and cycling holidays with my son. But I do admit to falling asleep whilst watching TV in the evening!

What is your most favourite book? ‘Alone in the wild wild sea’ by Michael Morpurgo, most of whose books are for older children which I admit to enjoying as well.

What is your best quote? ‘Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it’.

What would you do all over again? Fall in love, get married and have children. Also take up cycling, but in my 20s or 30s.

What do you think has helped you to be fit and healthy today? Studying psychology with the OU and gaining a degree at 70 gave me a huge boost mentally, and to my surprise physically despite the occasional setback. After unsuccessful treatment for sciatica which had stopped me hill walking, I realised that the only comfortable position (sitting) was precisely how you are on a bike. And it worked! However I was also recommended to Luck’s Yard, and following treatment (amazingly successful), adding swimming to the cycling and walking I became fitter in my 70s than I had been for decades. Now despite a recent heart attack I am getting back to all three at 79, albeit with the help of an electric bike.

What advice would you have told your younger self? Look after your body and exercise and you’ll find your mental health improves as well. Stimulate your mind and the reverse can also be true.