While the thought of a high-pressure role at 65 (let alone 86!) might be a far cry from most people’s idea of fun, there’s a lot we can learn from RBG’s seemingly inexhaustible energy.
RBG is a notoriously private person, but what we do know is that she works – and hard. She’s famous for working – quite literally – all night, and then catching up on sleep over the weekend. Regardless of what else is going on, Bader Ginsburg also never misses a gym session, or a trip to the opera – her great passion. This never-say-quit energy seems to be self-sustaining. She has energy, because she remains energetic. It’s a lesson we can all take something from, whether we’re 18 or 86!
Here’s how she does it.
She keeps fit
Far from being a life-time gym bunny, Bader Ginsberg only began working out in her sixties, to help her recover from a bout of chemotherapy. Working with a personal trainer, she built her strength slowly, so that now, twenty years later, she’s planking, crunching and squatting. Her trainer has even released a book, with an outline of what RBG gets up to at the gym.
The RBG secrets to fitness at any age
- Seek expert advice. If you can afford it, consult with a trainer so you have a plan.
- Be consistent. Even when Bader Ginsberg has been working all night, she shows up to her training sessions.
- Build up slowly and pay attention to your body – as we age, we’re more prone to injury.
- Check with your doctor about your exercise plans.
She keeps her mind strong
RBG exercises her brain, just like she exercises her muscles. Staying mind-fit isn’t just good for our Sudoku winning streak – it also means we’re likely to live longer and better. She also doesn’t buy into those widespread social expectations – she’s living proof that over-50s can be incredibly valuable to society.
The RBG secrets to brain health
- Stay engaged, involved and busy.
- Find time to do things you love.
- Be aware of your own value, whether that’s to your family, community, work or your hobbies.
She laughs
With her serious smarts set to tackling some of society’s thorniest issues, you’d be forgiven for thinking that RBG is serious all the time. While she’s a naturally quiet person, she’s quick to laugh, and has a lively sense of the ridiculous. She enjoys being affectionately compared to notorious gangster rap artist Biggy Smalls, quipping, “We have a lot in common!” And here she is making a cameo in a comedic opera (she rewrote the lines herself).
Laughter really is the best medicine sometimes – it can lower blood pressure, dull pain and alleviate stress – and scientists suspect it can help you live longer too.
The RBG secrets to laughing more
- Turn off the news and social media. Disaster sells advertising, so these media channels give an overly negative view of the world.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously. If you relax a bit, you’ll find there’s plenty to laugh at every day.
- Spend time with funny people. RBG was lucky – her husband Marty made her laugh for their 56 years together.
RBG’s Daily Routine
Think you’d like to know more about RBG? Look for the recent documentary on her, RBG.