Embracing a Fit and Active Lifestyle: Denise Lawson’s Journey
Reclaiming Health in Midlife
Denise Lawson, a 59-year-old resident of Springfield, Virginia, faced health challenges in her 40s that prompted her to reassess her approach to fitness. Realizing that maintaining her well-being would require conscious effort, she declared, “It’s either use it or lose it.” With this newfound perspective, she committed to staying active and refused to allow age to limit her participation in life.
Back to Running
Having been a sprinter in high school, Lawson decided to revisit running as a means to regain her fitness. Rather than sticking to familiar short distances, she ambitiously trained for her first half-marathon. “I needed to do something challenging to stave off aging,” she stated. This decision not only rekindled her love for the sport but also led to a series of unexpected benefits, including enhanced mental clarity.
Linking Physical Activity with Cognitive Health
Lawson’s experiences on the running track brought significant cognitive benefits as well. She noted, “Sometimes when you’re running, things just come to you.” Isabel Souffront, MD, an expert in senior care, emphasizes this connection, stating, “The more oxygen we have circulating through our body, the less fatigued we’re going to feel, and the less brain fog we will experience.”
Pursuing New Challenges
Building on her confidence from completing her half-marathon, Lawson sought new challenges each month. From zip-lining in Puerto Rico to swimming from Alcatraz to San Francisco, her activities fostered a sense of accomplishment and joy in her life. “Confidence grows when you challenge yourself,” remarked Dr. Souffront, emphasizing the importance of pushing beyond comfort zones.
Finding Purpose Beyond Fitness
In addition to her physical pursuits, Lawson found purpose in volunteering by fostering retired sled dogs. Her experiences with these dogs highlight a parallel journey of aging and resilience, prompting her to seek joy in small moments. “The way they run, they stop, they sniff,” she shared, integrating their carefree approach into her own life.
Current Endeavors and Mindset
Today, Lawson practices a holistic approach to health. Beyond physical activity, she engages in creative pursuits such as writing children’s books about sled dogs and exercises her mind with nightly word puzzles. According to Dr. Souffront, such activities can reduce the risk of dementia, highlighting the dual benefit of physical and mental stimulation.
Transformation and Ongoing Engagement
Lawson’s life exemplifies that health can be preserved and enhanced, even when faced with adversity. “You can sit down and say, ‘I’m not going to do X, Y, or Z anymore.’ Or you can get up and say, ‘I’m going to do what I can do until I can do more,”’ she encourages others. This summer, individuals can join her in the newly launched Humana Cognitive Games, designed to promote mental fitness as part of the National Senior Games.
Conclusion
Denise Lawson’s proactive approach to aging teaches invaluable lessons about the significance of physical activity and mental engagement in promoting overall well-being. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to embrace life and challenge oneself for a healthier future.
