Richard Baltisberger
I will reach the age of ninety in about two years, and I have one message to the class of 1953---EXERCISE. My father (Harvey) and one brother (Jim) both died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease at the ages of 86 and 93 after both their wives died several years earlier. My oldest brother Bill died from fall at age 95 in his kitchen hitting his head on a counter corner top. Harvey and Jim both became inactive in old age. Bill continued working on the farms he managed until his death as well as visiting veterans in the Soldier’s home in Marshalltown. His wife also died earlier.
My wife died from complications due to Parkinson's disease in January 2022. During 2020 I decided to save my back and that of the professional care givers was to start using a Hoyer lifting device. However, my blood sugar started to elevate eventually into the 5.7% A1C level, which is the dividing line between normal and prediabetic blood sugar levels. At this time, I have started an expanded exercise program including a two mile walk each day(I have done this for over 60 years) and added weightlifting programs to substitute for the lifting of my wife. My wife got me started in walking and other exercises when we first met. It delayed the onset of Parkinson’s in her case. I am sure these exercises will help my blood sugar but may be effective in delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s. Because the activity of Bill I believe there is a chance that exercise will delay the possibility of Alzheimer’s. I will try to keep the class informed each year in this endeavor. EXERCISE EXERCISE.
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