Wellness Wednesday: It’s Never Too Late: How My Papa Inspired Me (and Himself) to Keep Moving Forward
A phone call with my grandfather the other day reminded me of one of the most important truths about health and wellness: It’s never too late to invest in yourself.
At 84 years old, my granddad just completed a pulmonary rehabilitation program—a milestone that filled him with pride and excitement for the future. His journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but his dedication to improving his health proves that age or health complications don’t have to define your limits.
In fact, it’s often when we face the biggest challenges that we discover just how much we’re capable of achieving.
A Full-Circle Moment
When my grandfather called me, he could barely contain his excitement over completing his program and receiving a certificate of accomplishment. After decades of working to manage his health through exercise and diet, this was a big moment for him.
The rehabilitation center he attended even offered him the opportunity to continue with them—but he had other plans. In his words, “My grandson Myles Jackson has a program for me that I can follow—this is what he does, you know.”
That one sentence stopped me in my tracks. Here was the man who had been one of my first inspirations in health and fitness now looking to me for guidance. It felt like everything had come full circle.
Investing in Your Health at Any Age
My grandfather has always had a desire to prioritize his health. Over the years, I watched him try countless methods to stay active and healthy: walking on a treadmill, following stretch routines printed on mats, and even buying diet books like the Atkins Diet.
These were the building blocks of my own early fitness journey. When I was 4 or 5, I used his 3 and 5-pound hand weights to create my first workout routines. I didn’t realize it then, but those moments were shaping the foundation of my passion for health and wellness.
Now, decades later, my grandfather is as motivated as ever. We spent two hours on the phone discussing his goals, the equipment he wants to get, and how soon we can get started. He’s already dreaming of a more active future, and I couldn’t be more excited to help him achieve it.
Why It’s Never Too Late to Start
One of the biggest barriers many people face when considering a fitness program is the belief that it’s “too late” to make meaningful change. Whether it’s age, health complications, or years of inactivity, it’s easy to feel like the opportunity to improve your health has passed.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Your body is capable of change and growth at any stage of life. Even small steps—like improving your flexibility, building strength, or working on balance—can lead to big improvements in your overall health and quality of life.
For my grandfather, the goal isn’t to become a marathon runner or lift heavy weights; it’s about feeling stronger, moving with confidence, and embracing the possibilities of what his body can do.
Steps to Get Started
If you’ve been thinking about starting a fitness journey but feel unsure of where to begin, here are some steps inspired by my grandfather’s journey:
Celebrate Small Wins: Completing a pulmonary rehabilitation program may seem small to some, but for my grandfather, it was a major accomplishment. Acknowledge and celebrate every step you take—it keeps you motivated for the journey ahead.
Set Goals That Matter to You: My grandfather isn’t chasing arbitrary fitness benchmarks; his goals are personal and meaningful. Think about what you want to achieve, whether it’s playing with your grandkids, walking longer distances, or simply feeling more energetic each day.
Find a Support System: Whether it’s a trainer, a loved one, or a fitness community, having someone to guide and encourage you can make a world of difference. My grandfather’s trust in me as his coach is a reminder of how powerful support can be.
Take It One Step at a Time: You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start with small, manageable changes—like stretching daily, taking short walks, or adding light resistance exercises.
Believe in Your Potential: Age, health conditions, or a lack of experience shouldn’t hold you back. Improvement is always possible if you’re willing to take the first step.
Looking Ahead
I’m honored to be working with my grandfather as he embarks on this new chapter of his health journey. His story is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to prioritize yourself and create a healthier, more active future.
I hope his journey inspires others—no matter their age or circumstances—to take that first step toward better health.
If you’re reading this and wondering if it’s too late to start, let me be the one to tell you: It’s not. You have everything you need within you to make a change. And when you do, the future you envision is closer than you think.
Here’s to a lifetime of health, strength, and resilience—at every age.
