The question of whether we live in a New Age, Golden Age or Dark Age depends on one’s perspective. But what is certain is that we no longer live in the Iron Age, Bronze Age, or Stone Age. The world we inhabit today is vastly different from the past, marked by unprecedented complexity and novelty resulting from rapid technological and social evolution.
However, while our society has made tremendous strides in areas such as biology, physics, engineering, and chemistry, our systems have been slow to adapt to the changing reality of health and well-being.
While average life expectancy has increased due to the reduction in deaths caused by war, childbirth, murder, and infectious diseases, this has come at a cost – a decline in our health spans. And we may be living longer, but at what cost to our lifestyle?
Chronic illnesses such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia are more prevalent than ever before. There are also increasing levels of mental illness, drug addiction, and autism-spectrum disorders. Despite the significant advances in scientific knowledge, we seem to be struggling to improve human health and well-being. Many individuals, like ourselves, have had to take matters into their own hands to solve their health problems.
As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of regaining my health, I wonder what is happening in the current system. How is it that so many people in our technologically advanced society feel they have to solve their own health problems? Well, it’s quite fortunate that they do. Nobody wants to fall victim to the endless array of pills and potions offered up by pharmacologists. Unwittingly or not, we do.
So we turn to alternatives in an effort to preserve what future we have left. And an effort we hope does not go unnoticed by others in the future. Be it, family or friends, we can only live as an example to those who take notice. So my friends, continue on your journey of discovery. Examine and assess the benefits of your exercise regime. But no matter what happens, remember to keep moving. Tai Chi and Qigong are great examples of gentle exercise, but so is walking if you can manage.
