Longevity and Legacy: Celebrating 85 Years of the Ranch
This year marks The Ranch’s 85th anniversary! A lot has changed since our humble beginnings in 1940, yet the essence of who we are has remained. Being true to one’s essence is integral for longevity. Our co-founder, Deborah Szekely, will celebrate her 103rd birthday in May and is a shining example of resilience and longevity.
When people ask Deborah what her secret is to have a long and fulfilling life, she usually has several thoughts on the subject. Being someone who focuses on the positive is usually at the top of her list. Worrying, especially about things you have no control over, not only takes away from your happiness but can also be detrimental to your health.
Another contributor to her long life is her desire for constant learning. She often says that curiosity is her middle name. This curiosity keeps her engaged with life and gives her a reason to get up each morning. Deborah says, “Be excited about what will happen tomorrow, next week, next year, next decade.” Equally important to her are relationships and friends. It has been speculated that loneliness can be as unhealthy as smoking. Cultivating meaningful relationships gives one a sense of belonging. Deborah reminds us that our friendships need to span different generations – if she only had friends who are 100 years old, she may eventually find herself alone. Being curious about what is happening in our world keeps us relevant with younger generations. Meaningful relationships create community, and human beings thrive in community. The Ranch is a community for our guests and our staff, often referred to as family.
Research shows that longevity is a combination of numerous factors, factors that The Ranch has always subscribed to. Movement is key, whether one chooses to walk, take an exercise class, garden, or anything that maintains mobility and cardiovascular health. There is also no denying that the foods we put into our bodies contribute to our life expectancies. Eating a mostly plant-based diet with variety is prioritized at The Ranch. Eating as close to farm-to-table and organic is ideal. Sometimes, it is not possible 100% of the time, so shoot for most of the time.
Sleep is key for repairing our tissues and brain health. Genetics undeniably plays a role in our lives, yet we are learning that our genes are not necessarily the final decision-makers. Epigenetics shows us that our lifestyle choices play a significant role in which genes are turned on and off. These are some of the contributors to one’s longevity. Living healthy, meaningful, joyful lives longer than ever is a reality that I am looking forward to exploring through my blogs this year!
Stay tuned as Barry shares his reflections and lessons learned from The Ranch each month and join us for this milestone celebration.
