Routines which help them to stay healthy
alds and IFA deliver, so I would visit pitches around the country and join in a bit.
I play golf most weeks — probably a couple of times a week — and I walk the course. I don’t use golf buggies.
I’ve no worries about diet — I’m the same weight as when I played, maybe a few pounds up.
Belfast literary agent and actor Bill Jeffrey (84) says:
I probably don’t take enough exercise — I would be a slave to the car. I do have one of those apps on the phone that tells you how much you’ve walked and I would be very disappointed if I didn’t clock up about 3km every day.
I would walk the streets but I don’t have a regular path — I don’t go to
GQ magazine at its annual Men of the Year Awards. Proof that you never have to stop having goals when you’re approaching a milestone ‘older’ birthday.
Never won an award or medal? Perhaps now’s the time to seek out the opportunity to do so. Or, set some new challenges for yourself for the coming year and decade. For instance, you could plan a thank you speech for your 70th party, to make sure you honour those who have helped you live your best life so far. Botanic Park or Ormeau Park to walk. I eat well. I cook for myself and I listen to all the advice there is — fibre and protein, that sort of thing. I wouldn’t eat red meat more than once a week and the rest of the time it would be white meat or semi-vegetarian. I’m quite fond of Chinese food but I don’t do carry-outs.
Because I’m a literary agent I get invited to book launches and poetry slams and the main diet there is red wine and sausage rolls. 2019 is going to be a dry January.
I keep my weight down. I think I am probably very lucky in my genes. I’ve had two hip replacements and bowel cancer and have been left with a colostomy bag but despite that, I keep going.
I find that if you have something in the morning to get up and go out for, that is a major component in keeping young and healthy.
My daughter Karin rides shotgun on my shoulder and if she thinks I am not eating right she’d be on me like a plague of locusts.
6. Join a club
Studies have shown that socialising is one of the cornerstones of ageing well. And this isn’t just about exercise clubs — joining a group where you can meet like-minded people and expand your horizons is essential.
You might find yourself suddenly on a coach trip somewhere you never imagined you’d go, or working as a team to raise money for charity. The Women’s Institute is still going strong, and addresses lots of pertinent issues through its work. You could find a group through Age UK or the Royal Voluntary Service, too.
7. Travel the world
For many people, seeing the world is perceived to be a millennial’s game — backpacking in your 20s, or on a gap year sabbatical from work. While he’s lucky enough to be well-travelled thanks to his position, Charles is an example of how you don’t have to stick to staycations once you hit 70, recently visiting west Africa.
It could be time to book that round-the-world trip or weekend break to a city you always wanted to see. Best of all, you can probably get senior discounts on attractions.
8. Laugh
It seems that the more time passes, the more Charles seems to have a smile on his face. Clearly, he’s happy in life and enjoying time with his family. Laughter can reduce stress hormones and also boost antibodies.
It releases feel-good endorphins, too. Take that, winter flu! You could take it one step further and go see some comedy — or even take part if you’re brave enough.
9. Volunteer
Prince Charles is patron of many charities, most notably The Prince’s Trust which helps young people aged 11-30 who are struggling at school or unemployed. You don’t have to set up your own charity, but volunteering can really give your body and mind a boost.
Think about something close to your heart — it could be you decide to help out at a local charity shop. The best bit about this is you’re likely to make some like-minded friends, too. I go through fits and bursts. I ran a leg of the marathon two years ago which could have been the start of a fantastic new career and health highlight, but then I realised my right knee was ropey so that had to stop. And then I got a trapped nerve in my neck this year, which curtailed any visits to the gym. I guess this is what happens as you get older and the body starts to slow down and bits stop working, much like your favourite old car. Rehearsals and shows are great exercise and for Bah, Humbug! we do a warm-up every morning, involving elaborate dance routines and yoga, which I love and plan to keep doing. The builders looking in at the Lyric rehearsal room are having a good laugh, I can tell you.
What is the worst illness you’ve had?
I’ve been lucky with regards to that, I must say. I broke both my arms in separate incidents, which has left me a bit more conservative when it comes to extreme sports. I like the idea of mountain biking, bungee jumping or zorbing (where you take a giant inflatable ball, jump inside the middle, and roll down a hill), but if I’m honest I can’t even watch them without wincing.
How healthy is your diet?
It could be better. If I was to mark it, I would give myself an average 6 out of 10. I eat mostly home-cooked food and I enjoy cooking but when I’m with friends who do eat healthily all the time I realise how far I have to go! I’m improving little by little.
Any bad habits?
Oh yes. Lots of those. My go-to favourite meal is an oxymoron — a sausage salad. Both good and bad, all in the same flavoursome bowl.
Do you drink and smoke/if so how much?
I don’t smoke anymore, I quit a long time ago. I do love wine and I really think that a good pint of Guinness (right) in a cosy pub with delightful company has to be good for the soul.
Do you take any supplements?
My mother has browbeaten me into taking regular courses of multi-vitamins. I really don’t see much benefit but they can’t be actually bad for you. Or is that the next revelation?
How do you take time out?
I play a bit of guitar, but strictly at rookie level. I have a Kerry Blue terrier and he keeps me occupied if I think I have a free moment. I love watching soccer and Gaelic football (but not playing so much). I’m a music fan and couldn’t live without Spotify. It’s brilliant — I’ve been a premium customer since the beginning.
How well do you sleep?
Like a brick mostly. But when we are doing shows, sleep can be a problem when you have to get up early the next day, which I usually have to do. Busy family life. I’ve been told actors have a bigger adrenaline gland than most people due the thrill/terror of live performance, and it can keep working as you are in bed. The result is your heart races as you are nodding off and you become wide awake again. The answer is to always have a good book by the bed.
Do you worry about getting old?
I have conflicting feelings of sorrow at the loss of youth — both mine and those close to me — and happiness at the sense of accomplishment that age brings. To say that time flies is the greatest understatement of all.
What is your go-to product that keeps you feeling healthy?
Mandarin oranges. If I’m flagging I just eat five in a row and it’s like a magic wand.
Along with Alan McKee, Conor has written and stars in Bah, Humbug!, a modern day Belfast take on the classic Dickens tale A Christmas Carol which is running at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast until January 5. Showings are at 8pm. Tickets are £22.50, with concessions £15. For further information and bookings visit: www.lyrictheatre.co.uk