By M.Rameshon
Mr Pradeep Lall is 73 years of age. I have given him and interview and he shared his thoughts and experience of his younger days. He joined the merchant navy, in India, and became a Captain at the young age of 31 years. Having said that, it will be good to hear directly from him, on how he keeps himself active during his retirement years, which is going on currently. In the hope that people are encouraged to become active, I am connecting Mr Pradeep's story to you in an interview form so that we can learn on how to keep fit when we get older.
It is said that exercise has the power to keep one away from the feeling of loneliness, depression. Here, Mr Pradeep highlights his experience on how he stays active and relevant, adopting strategies to build high self esteem, confidence and also in preventing early onset of dementia.
Interview
What is your favourite sport while you were in the navy and for now?
I played table tennis, tennis during my tenure at sea. Presently, it is golf which I have been playing for oveer 35 years.
How does personal training help?
As we age, it is vital to maintain our muscle strength, energy levels and activity. Personal training provides a customised, supervised and a structured programme, specifically tailored to one's physical condition. It is also ensures oneself in regular participation and continuity in activity.
How does strength training help you?
It has helped me in maintaining better physical coordination, balance. Muscle strenghtening has assisted in preventing golf injuries, maintaining health of joints.
How was your younger days from age 6 to 12, your formative years?
Cricket was the favourite, at that age. Later on, my interest shifted to tennis at age 10 and it stayed all through my school and college days.
How about your teenage years?
Sports was an important influence. Besides tennis, I also had squash, table tennis, badminton, and a game of billiard - all in one evening!
During Covid19 what are the activities you did ?
While on a lockdown imposed restriction, I could do my exercise and walking inside the house. Maintaining good mental health was very important for me, during this uncertian time. Taking up hydroponic prepagation, reviving my old interest in photography, listening to classical music and tinkering with gadgets kept me positively engaged
How about your physical activity pattern after covid 19?
With my friends, we resumed our golf game and socialising with friends. Taking nature walks at various gardens and parks. Photographing flower and sharing them among family and friends across the world.
Reading and listening to music are some of my pasttime pursuits as well.
What are the ways to overcome dementia?
The body, mind and intellect must be in a state of well being. It should work towards our goal. One must undertake a vigorous approach to staying updated, relevant and involved. My practice comprises of a few simple activities.
There is an involvement and support of family : grandchildren, travel, celebrations, travel.
- Developing a meaningful passtime. Buy and care for a small flowering plant, music/singing is very satisfying. I do experimenting around and querying with AI tool and gadgets.
- Reading 8 to 10 pages, books of ancient wisdom and knowledge.
- Staying relevant, knowledgeable about current affairs, scientific and technology innovations.
- A small group of sincere friends to laugh, joke, play and travel with.
What do you do nowadays?
I do regular visits and do some photography at Gardens By the Bay, Botanic Gardens.
In addition to playing golf and socialising, I am fortunate to be involved with the developmental activities of my grandchildren. The kids are keen sportspeople and I would drive them to their coaching sessions. I use the opportunity to take long walks and do stretching exercises, around the sports facilities. I do regular driving and I am able to keep my reflexes, and have road sense to be sharp and alert.
During inclement weather conditions, I do my walking indoors at places like the mall.
The End
